WASHINGTON: A second round of high-stakes diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran could commence within days, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing senior officials, even as both nations escalate rhetoric and prepare for potential military confrontation.
The report comes after marathon negotiations in Islamabad — the first direct face-to-face talks since 1979 — ended Saturday without agreement, though regional governments continue to mediate in hopes of extending a fragile two-week ceasefire.
The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, presented sweeping demands including the complete cessation of Iran’s uranium enrichment, dismantling of key nuclear infrastructure, surrender of highly enriched material, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, and an end to support for regional proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran countered with proposals for limited enrichment or reduced stockpiles — offers Washington rejected. “We made our terms clear. Tehran refused to accept them,” Vance said.
As diplomacy teeters, President Trump announced a full maritime blockade of Iranian ports effective 10 a.m. ET Monday, targeting all vessels entering or leaving Iranian waters — including those of third countries — in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded defiantly on social media: “If you fight, we will fight.” Meanwhile, Trump criticized NATO for not supporting the blockade, signaling a potential reassessment of U.S. ties with the alliance.
The diplomatic window remains open, but time is short — and the stakes, higher than ever, the WSJ report added.
