US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran
The United States is discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, US officials said, as Tehran threatened to shut down Red Sea trade unless Washington lifted a naval blockade of its ports.
A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran bearing a new message from Washington after US President Donald Trump indicated negotiations could resume this week following last weekend’s failed talks in Islamabad.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that further talks “would very likely” be in the Pakistani capital. “Those discussions are being had,” Leavitt said, and “we feel good about the prospects of a deal.”
The optimism came on the back of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day diplomatic blitz, with the leader meeting Wednesday with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of talks, has said Iran is being offered a…
