U.S. and Iran May Hold Second Round of Talks Within a Week; Nuclear Program and Strait of Hormuz at Issue

According to The Financial News, first-round cease-fire talks between the United States of America (U.S.) and Iran ended without a clear agreement, but the two countries are now engaged in intense behind-the-scenes coordination for a second face-to-face meeting. While the U.S. has sharply raised the pressure on Iran by launching an unprecedented counter-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, it is simultaneously pursuing a two-track strategy that keeps diplomatic options open. Iran, for its part, is communicating with Washington through mediating countries in search of a compromise. With the two-week cease-fire set to expire on the 21st (local time), global attention is focused on whether a dramatic breakthrough can be achieved in time.

Donald Trump announced at the White House that, as of 10 a.m. Eastern Time on the 13th (11 p.m. Korea time), a maritime blockade operation against Iran led by the United States Navy (U.S. Navy) had officially begun. The operation, which mobilizes 15 U.S. warships, is a counter-blockade designed to completely block, turn back, or seize any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. authorization. U.S. forces have also issued a strong military warning that any approaching Iranian fast boats will be immediately neutralized during the operation.
Regarding possible military support from allies, Trump said, "We do not need other countries, but they have offered to provide services," adding, "We will allow that, and we will probably release the list of countries tomorrow." He then wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, "Yesterday, 34 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz," stressing that this was the highest number since Iran began its de facto attempts to impose a blockade.
Despite the hard-line response, Washington has kept diplomatic channels open. Trump claimed, "We have been contacted by Iran, and they are very eager to reach an agreement." Major foreign media outlets, citing U.S. officials, also reported that the possibility of a second face-to-face round of talks between the two countries remains alive. One U.S. official noted, "There is ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, and there is continued progress toward reaching an agreement."
As the two-week cease-fire approaches its end, mediators such as the Republic of Türkiye and Pakistan have also stepped up their efforts. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his willingness to mediate, saying he is "doing everything possible" to resolve the issue. The U.S. and Iran are reportedly working to arrange a second face-to-face meeting before the cease-fire expires, considering Islamabad, the site of the first round of talks, and Geneva in Switzerland as potential venues while they coordinate detailed schedules. Cable News Network (CNN) reported that "the current cease-fire deadline could be extended depending on the progress of the negotiations."
For the two sides to reach a final agreement, they must bridge their differences on two core issues: Iran's nuclear program and control over the strait. In the talks, the U.S. focused on the nuclear issue and the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran was said to favor a broader "big deal" that would include sanctions relief and security guarantees.
At the first round of talks on the 11th (local time), the U.S. strongly demanded that Iran halt uranium enrichment for 20 years, ship its stockpile of highly enriched uranium overseas, and give up control over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has since softened its earlier demand for a permanent end to uranium enrichment, lowering the bar to a "20-year suspension" and offering sanctions relief if Tehran accepts the terms. Iran, however, rejected this concession. Tehran countered with a proposal to limit the suspension of enrichment to only "a few years" and also refused to send its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad.
Commenting on the talks in Pakistan, Trump said, "We agreed on many things, but Iran did not agree to abandon its nuclear development," adding, "We will receive or take that dust (enriched uranium). Otherwise, there will be no deal," drawing a clear line.
James David Vance, the U.S. vice president who led the American delegation in the first round, also stated, "Whether there will be further talks and whether we ultimately reach an agreement depends entirely on Iran," and stressed, "We have already put a lot on the table. The ball is now in Iran's court." Vance further pointed out that the Iranian negotiators did not have final decision-making authority, sending the message that a direct decision by Iran's supreme leadership will be necessary in any future talks.
km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter