Trump Optimistic As Iran Talks Advance While Both Sides Continue To Observe Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed optimism about the prospects of a negotiated peace agreement with Iran, saying there was a "good chance" of diplomatic progress as both sides observed a third consecutive day of ceasefire. The pause in hostilities has raised hopes that renewed diplomatic efforts could help end months of conflict that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and disrupted global markets. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he remained patient about the ongoing situation and believed diplomacy could produce positive results. "I have a lot of patience... We'll see what happens," he said. "I think there is a good chance that something could happen."

His remarks came as fighting between the United States and Iran remained suspended following an uneasy truce that took effect early Saturday after nearly two weeks of renewed military action. The latest phase of the conflict followed 13 nights of US strikes on Iran after diplomatic efforts over Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz collapsed. The broader conflict, which began in late February with a wave of US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran, has fuelled instability across the region, raised concerns over energy supplies and affected global financial markets. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes, remains central to international concerns because a significant share of global oil shipments passes through the waterway.

Despite Trump's optimistic assessment, Iran denied that direct negotiations with Washington were currently underway. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said mediators had been passing messages from the American side regarding recent developments but stressed that Tehran was not engaged in direct talks with the United States. "Mediators may convey messages from the American side to us regarding current developments in the region. But at present, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States," Baqaei said.

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Trump, however, indicated that diplomatic contacts were continuing through intermediaries. In an interview with US news outlet Axios, he said several mediating countries had urged him to maintain the ceasefire to create space for diplomacy. According to Trump, "We are in very deep talks with Iran," suggesting that indirect discussions were progressing despite Tehran's public denial of direct negotiations. The contrasting statements underscore the complex nature of diplomatic engagement in the conflict, where backchannel communications often play a significant role.

The ceasefire has provided a temporary respite after months of escalating military exchanges that drew international concern over the possibility of a wider regional war. Governments across the Middle East and beyond have repeatedly called for restraint, warning that any further escalation could threaten global energy security, disrupt international trade and deepen humanitarian challenges in the region. While both Washington and Tehran have yet to announce any formal breakthrough, the continuation of the ceasefire and ongoing mediation efforts have raised cautious expectations that diplomacy could pave the way for a more lasting reduction in tensions.

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