US-Iran Prepare for Second Round, Hormuz Pressure Remains
The United States and Iran are reportedly discussing a second round of face-to-face meetings to revive ceasefire negotiations, after the latest round of talks failed to produce a breakthrough. According to Bloomberg News, the option of new talks is being sought before the two-week ceasefire announced on April 7 expires next week, with Islamabad among the locations being considered, along with several others.
This diplomatic push comes after a meeting chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance in Islamabad over the weekend ended without an agreement. Both sides blamed the impasse for the impasse: Washington highlighted Iran's refusal to curb its nuclear ambitions, while Tehran considered US demands excessive. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said Iran had contacted the US and sought a deal, but Washington continued with its planned naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz as an additional means of pressure.
Mediation efforts also involved regional actors. Bloomberg reported that Turkish and Egyptian officials were involved in the exploratory process. In an interview with Fox News, Vance dismissed the notion that the Pakistan talks had completely failed and said there had been a "fairly good" conversation to clarify US demands and understand Iran's position. He emphasized that Washington's priority remains the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the reduction of Iran's nuclear activities, while stating that the next steps are in Tehran's hands.
For the market, the combination of "open diplomatic doors" and "continued military/economic pressure" has the potential to maintain high volatility, particularly through energy supply risks and geopolitical premiums. Market participants will be monitoring confirmation of the schedule and location of the second round, the status and enforcement of the blockade, indicators of the smooth flow of Hormuz, the role of mediators (Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt), and whether the two sides find a sufficient formula to extend the ceasefire before next week's deadline. (Arl)*
Source: Newsmaker.id
