Axios, a U.S. political news outlet, reported that there has been progress in cease-fire talks between the United States and Iran and that the two sides have moved a little closer to a basic agreement.
On the 15th (local time), Axios cited two U.S. government officials as saying the two countries, with mediation by Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye, were working to reach an agreement before the truce expires on the 21st.
That day, a delegation led by Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Asim Asim Munir arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian government officials. There is also speculation that face-to-face negotiations could resume before the truce expires to clinch a basic agreement.
However, the gap between the sides remains large, and it is widely believed that it is too early to be optimistic about a final deal at this point.
A U.S. government official said, "If a basic agreement is reached, the truce will need to be extended for detailed negotiations," adding, "This cannot be resolved in two days."
Former Vice President JD Vance said at an event hosted by the conservative group "Turning Point USA," "I think the people sitting across the table (the Iranian negotiating team) wanted to reach a deal," adding, "I feel very good about where things stand."
Earlier, the United States and Iran held more than 20 hours of face-to-face talks on the 11th in Islamabad, Pakistan, but ended without an agreement. If face-to-face talks resume, a second meeting is also expected to take place in Islamabad.