The confrontation between the United States and Iran remains suspended between openings and new tensions. Donald Trump raised the hypothesis of a return to the negotiating table in Pakistan, but in the same hours the situation tightened after the American intervention against an Iranian ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran reacted with harsh tones, even calling for retaliation, while drone attacks against US units were recorded in the Gulf of Oman. In this context, second Al JazeeraIranian participation in the talks is no longer certain. Meanwhile, a clear-cut message arrives from Washington: availability for an agreement, but with the threat of hitting Iranian strategic infrastructures in case of refusal.
Without agreement, no ceasefire. Donald Trump told the agency Bloomberg that an extension of the ceasefire with Iran is “highly unlikely” if an agreement is not signed. The ceasefire expires on Wednesday, Trump highlighted. The international panorama is thus experiencing hours of extreme tension, suspended between the fragile hope of the negotiating tables and the war rhetoric that continues to inflame the Middle East. From Iranian sea routes to the Lebanese borders, to the diplomatic corridors of Brussels and Rome, diplomacy is racing against time to avoid a total escalation.
The tycoon’s conviction
«I am not under pressure to make an agreement» with Iran even if «it will happen relatively quickly». Donald Trump states this by attacking the “traitorous” Democrats who “are doing everything they can to weaken our strong position towards Iran.”
Lebanon Front: Hezbollah challenges Israel on the eve of talks
While diplomatic sources cited by the broadcaster Kan 11 confirm a second round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon for Thursday, the climate remains anything but relaxed. Hezbollah raised its tone through the words of MP Hassan Fadlallah, who assured AFP that the Shiite movement “will break down the yellow line through the resistance”. Fadlallah warned that any Israeli buffer zone or defensive line will be destroyed, reiterating that no one in Lebanon will be able to disarm the resistance. The lawmaker also urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to abandon talks with Tel Aviv, signaling a deep internal rift over the management of the crisis.
US-Iran axis: Trump claims maritime blockade
On the Iranian front, there is a timid sign of civil normalization with the reopening of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports, closed due to hostilities with the United States and Israel. However, the economic pressure remains suffocating. Donald Trump, speaking to The Hill, claimed the effectiveness of the American maritime blockade on Iranian ships: «The blockade is very powerful. They lose $500 million a day. We control it, not them.” The tycoon also denied rumors of a softening suggested by the head of the Pakistani army, Asim Munir, instead confirming the sending of a delegation led by JD Vance to Islamabad. JD Vance is scheduled to leave for Pakistan tomorrow morning. CNN reports this, citing some sources, according to whom the negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday. The White House told CNN that there are no official communications on the timing. “We expect the delegation to travel soon, but it is not clear when.”
Despite his firmness, Trump left the door of diplomacy open, declaring himself willing to meet with the Iranian leadership, while warning PBS that, if the ceasefire expires on Tuesday, “many bombs will start to explode.”
Europe and the Israel issue
In Brussels, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed that member countries are considering unprecedented pressure measures. On the table is the total suspension of the association agreement between the EU and Israel, a move that would require unanimity. Alternatively, qualified majority sanctions are being studied to push Tel Aviv towards a political solution.