According to officials cited by Reuters, Washington appears committed to reopening negotiations with Tehran. 

 

Yet they believe Iran is unlikely to agree to key American conditions, particularly on its nuclear and missile programmes.

Israeli officials voice scepticism

Three senior Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, said any fresh negotiations would likely focus on limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and restricting its ballistic missile development.

These issues have historically been major sticking points between the two sides. 

 

The officials suggested that Tehran’s stance on these matters makes a breakthrough difficult, despite Washington’s renewed diplomatic outreach.

Talks collapsed amid escalating conflict

Diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran reportedly broke down on February 28, coinciding with the launch of a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Since then, the region has witnessed one of its most intense phases of conflict in recent years. 

 

Reports indicate that nearly 1,500 people have been killed in Iran alone, amid escalating strikes linked to concerns over Tehran’s nuclear build-up and missile expansion.

Trump pauses strikes after ‘constructive’ talks

Despite the tensions, Trump has struck an optimistic tone about diplomacy. He recently said that Washington and Tehran had held “very good and productive” discussions aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities.

In a significant move, the US president ordered a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. 

 

He directed the Department of Defence to postpone military action for five days, describing the talks as “constructive”.

Trump indicated that the pause would depend on progress in ongoing negotiations, suggesting a cautious shift towards diplomacy.

Iran sees pause as strategic signal

Iran has interpreted the US decision differently, describing it as a sign of Washington stepping back following its “firm warning”.

The contrasting narratives highlight the fragile and uncertain nature of the current diplomatic effort. 

 

While Washington signals openness to negotiation, doubts persist over whether both sides can bridge long-standing differences.