President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a new round of talks with Iran could take place as soon as this week as engagements between the two countries continue despite failure to reach an agreement last weekend.
Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said "something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there," in reference to the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, where the first discussions took place.
"It's more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job," he added, in reference to Pakistan Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir.
The president did not reveal who would be leading negotiations if talks indeed continue, but said he won't be traveling.
The possibility of renewed talks was also reported by The Associated Press, which detailed that Pakistani officials are working to arrange a new encounter of the parties.
Another report in CBS News noted that Pakistani officials are seeking to rebrand the continued engagement as the "Islamabad Process," rather than the "Islamabad Talks."
The main goal is reaching a framework before the ceasefire expires on April 22 to prevent a resumption of the war. In the first round of talks, the Trump administration reportedly proposed a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment to Iran to move towards a ceasefire.
Axios detailed that Tehran signaled openness to the idea but for a shorter, "single digit" period. Despite the stalemate, Trump said Iranian leaders called him on Monday and they "would like to work a deal."
Trump addressed the report while speaking to the New York Post, rejecting the notion that he made such an offer. "I've been saying they can't have nuclear weapons," so "I don't like the 20 years." "I don't want them to feel like they have a win," Trump added.
In this context, Bloomberg noted that Iran is considering a short-term pause to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid testing Trump's blockade and potentially undermine the fragile ceasefire.
