The US-Iran ceasefire is approaching its end amid escalating threats between Washington and Tehran, with uncertainty still surrounding the potential resumption of negotiations in Pakistan’s capital.
A source in Washington told AFP that a US delegation will depart “soon” for talks with Iranian representatives, without specifying a date. However, no official confirmation had been issued late Monday.
The fragile US-Iran ceasefire, in place since 8 April, is set to expire Wednesday evening Washington time, or overnight into Thursday in Tehran. US President Donald Trump described an extension as “very unlikely”.
War rhetoric intensifies on both sides
Iranian officials responded sharply to US warnings. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would not negotiate under threats and had prepared “new options on the battlefield”.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that no decision has been made regarding a new round of talks, casting doubt on Washington’s intentions.
Trump warned that if US demands are not met before the ceasefire expires, “many bombs will start exploding”, while maintaining economic pressure through continued sanctions on Iranian ports.
Despite the blockade, maritime intelligence reports indicated that at least 26 Iranian vessels had bypassed US restrictions in recent days.
Daily life resumes amid uncertainty in Tehran
In Tehran, daily life appeared to be returning to normal, with airports reopening and public spaces filling again. However, many residents expressed pessimism.
“Whatever happens, the Iranian people will lose,” one biologist told AFP anonymously.
Another resident described a worsening situation, citing economic hardship, arrests, and rising executions. “There is no light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Oil markets and Strait of Hormuz tensions
Oil prices showed slight declines after recent increases driven by renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies.
China’s President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of keeping the passage open during talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Tehran, facing continued US pressure, announced stricter controls over the strait after briefly reopening it.
Lebanon front and regional instability
Beyond the US-Iran ceasefire, regional tensions remain high. Talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected on Thursday in Washington at the ambassadorial level.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Friday, though both sides have already accused each other of violations.
The UN Security Council condemned a recent attack that killed a French peacekeeper in Lebanon, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 2,300 deaths during six weeks of conflict.
Nuclear dispute remains unresolved
The gap between Washington and Tehran remains wide over Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump claimed Iran had agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a claim denied by Tehran.
Iran insists its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes and remain within its sovereign rights.
Trump also warned that recovering Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would be a “long and difficult process”, following US airstrikes on key nuclear facilities in June 2025.
Also read: Strait of Hormuz closure announced again
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