Trump hints at new US-Iran peace talks as Lebanon ceasefire begins
France and Britain will chair a meeting on Friday of around 40 countries aimed at signaling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that an agreement could soon be reached to end the Iran war.
He said on Thursday an extension of a two-week ceasefire with Iran was possible, but may not be needed.
"We're going to see what happens. But I think we're very close to making a deal with Iran," he told reporters on Thursday, adding if an agreement was reached and signed in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, he may go there for the occasion.
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A Pakistani source involved in mediating between the US and Iran said on Friday there was progress in backdoor diplomacy and that an upcoming meeting between the two sides could result in the signing of a memorandum of understanding followed by a comprehensive deal within 60 days.
"Both sides are agreeing in principle. And technical bits come later," the source said on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, a 10-day US-backed truce agreed between Lebanon and Israel came into effect at midnight local time (2100 GMT Thursday) and has mostly held so far. Displaced people have begun returning home.
France and Britain will chair a meeting on Friday of around 40 countries aimed at signaling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
Only a trickle of vessels have passed through the strait since the war started, compared to an average 130-plus each day before the conflict.
