US-Iran Ceasefire Extension Talks
The Guardian reported Saturday that President Donald Trump plans to meet with his top negotiators this weekend to review Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal, with a final decision expected by Sunday on whether to resume military strikes.
Trump told Axios the odds were a “solid 50/50” between securing a workable agreement and striking Iran “to kingdom come.” He is scheduled to meet special envoy Steve Witkoff, adviser Jared Kushner, and Vice President JD Vance to assess Tehran’s offer. Gulf mediators are also expected to participate in related discussions.
Diplomacy Intensifies Around Iran’s 14-Point Proposal
Pakistan has emerged as a central broker in the push toward a ceasefire extension. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, traveled to Tehran on Saturday, meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Talks centered on a 14-point Iranian peace framework, along with direct messages exchanged between Washington and Tehran.
A Pakistani security official told Reuters a memorandum of understanding was being fine-tuned to formally end hostilities. A Qatari delegation also visited Tehran on Friday, and Trump separately spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about efforts to stabilize the existing truce.
Also Read: What Is the Strait of Hormuz and Why Does It Matter?
How the Ceasefire Came About
A truce between the United States, Israel, and Iran has been in place since early April, following over a month of direct military conflict. The ceasefire was intended not only to halt the fighting but also to create space for negotiations on three core issues: the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and its ballistic missile capabilities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. It serves as a transit corridor for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, making its continued blockage a significant drag on energy markets and shipping costs worldwide.
Tehran Signals Defiance While Claiming Progress
Despite the diplomatic activity, Iranian officials took a combative public posture on Saturday. Ghalibaf warned that if the US resumed military action, Iran’s response would be more severe than its initial retaliation. He also claimed Iran had used the ceasefire period to restore its military capabilities.
At the same time, Iranian state television reported the two sides had reached the “final stage” of drafting a broader deal framework. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered cautious commentary on prospects for a lasting agreement.
Military analysts have questioned whether a fresh US aerial campaign would meaningfully shift the strategic balance in Washington’s favor, adding pressure on the Trump administration to accept a negotiated path forward.
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