The United States and Iran are considering to extend the ceasefire between them for two more weeks, amid renewed peace deal push, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing a source privy to the latest developments.
The current ceasefire between both the warring nations was scheduled will expire on April 21. Earlier in the day, the Associated Press reported that Washington and Tehran have agreed "in-principle" to extend the truce.
The move is aimed at allowing more time for diplomacy, as mediators on both sides look for a way out of the conflict, the news agency reported, citing regional officials.
There was no official word from Washington or Tehran by the time the preliminary reports emerged. There have been indications related to a truce extension since late on Monday, which led to crude oil prices easing and equity markets globally recovering.
Trump could be heard as saying, in clips of an yet-to-be-aired interview with Fox News Business, that the waR is "very close to over". However, he has been making similar claims since the start of the conflict.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the US president told the New York Times that fresh negotiations could be held "over the next two days". The talks are likely to be held again in Islamabad, he added. "It's more likely that we go back there. Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?"
ALSO READ: US Sets Fresh Terms for Iran Talks Ahead of Possible Deal Revival
According to multiple media reports, Washington has set two key conditions for the second round of talks. First, Iran must fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route currently affected by conflict and restrictions. Second, the Iranian delegation must have clear authority from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to negotiate and finalise any agreement.
Trump has cited Vice President JD Vance's allegations that the Iranian delegation needed the prior approval of the IRGC for key decisions, during the previous round of talks. “That's ultimately why we left. The delegation couldn't close anything,” CNN quoted Vance as saying.
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