US positive on Iran deal but talks still uncertain as ceasefire end nears

The United States expressed confidence that peace talks with Iran would go ahead in Pakistan and a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering joining, but significant hurdles and uncertainty remained as the end of a ceasefire approached.



U.S. President Donald Trump wants an agreement that would prevent further oil price rises and stock markets shocks but has insisted Iran cannot have the means to develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran hopes to leverage its control of the Strait of Hormuz to strike a deal that averts a restart of the war, eases sanctions but does not impede its nuclear program.



The Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, said Tehran was "positively reviewing" its participation in talks, despite earlier ruling them out, but stressed no decision had been made.



A Pakistani source involved in the discussions said there was momentum for talks to recommence on Wednesday and Trump could attend in person, or virtually, if a deal were to be signed.



"Things are moving forward and the talks are on track for tomorrow," the source said on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity.