"Amazing 2 Days" Trump Teases Deal as Iran Threatenes Gulf

A dual-track U.S. strategy of intensifying maritime pressure on Iran while signaling diplomatic re-engagement is seemingly underway, as Washington seeks leverage ahead of renewed talks following a stalled round in Islamabad.

Trump said talks could resume soon, telling ABC’s Jonathan Karl to expect an “amazing two days” and adding, “a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild.”

He also said it may not be necessary to extend the current 2-week ceasefire set to expire on April 21.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the last round of talks ending April 13 without agreement, said he remained optimistic. Negotiators are expected to return to Islamabad later this week, with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir credited by Trump for facilitating dialogue.

Core disagreements persist. The U.S. has proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program, while Tehran has suggested a 3-5 year pause.

Washington is also demanding removal of enriched uranium, while Iran insists on lifting sanctions and recognition of its position in Hormuz.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said in Seoul that any enrichment moratorium remains a political decision, though compromise is possible as a confidence-building step.

The war, now over 6 weeks since Feb. 28, continues to complicate negotiations. Israel’s ongoing strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon remain outside the ceasefire framework according to the U.S. and Israel, while Iran insists they are linked.

The conflict has killed about 5,000 people, including 3,000 in Iran and 2,000 in Lebanon. Iranian officials said 40,000 homes in Tehran province were damaged, including schools and clinics.

Oil prices rose to around $96 per barrel after falling earlier, while physical supply shortages worsened. Refineries are paying premiums up to $50 above benchmarks, reflecting immediate scarcity.

The International Monetary Fund warned the disruption could push the global economy toward recession.

Analysts noted that the last pre-war tanker cleared Hormuz on Feb. 28 is expected to arrive by April 20, marking a key supply cutoff point.