President Donald Trump has stated that negotiations with Iran are proceeding at a 'rapid pace', contradicting earlier comments in which he downplayed the likelihood of a deal. The talks aim to extend a fragile ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and begin discussions on Tehran's nuclear programme.
Earlier on Monday, Trump told broadcasters he 'couldn’t care less' if discussions collapsed, adding that both sides had been 'talking too much'. However, hours later he wrote on Truth Social: 'Talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran.'
The diplomatic push comes amid continued military strikes. The Pentagon confirmed it destroyed radar and drone installations inside Iran in retaliation for Iran downing an American drone. Tehran launched missile strikes targeting US troops in Kuwait, which were intercepted.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint. Iran's blockade of the waterway has caused a spike in global fuel prices, and a US counter-blockade has left around 1,500 cargo vessels stranded. In the latest incident, a commercial vessel was struck by two explosions southeast of Iraq, with at least one blast confirmed as a drone strike.
Trump also claimed he secured a pledge from Hezbollah to halt attacks on Israel and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed not to advance further into Lebanon. Analysts view the Israeli offensive as a major obstacle to an interim settlement with Iran.
