The U.S. and regional mediators are discussing the possibility of holding high-level peace talks with Iran as soon as Thursday, but are still waiting for a response from Tehran, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions. Iranian officials are currently denying claims of behind-the-scenes negotiations, though they have confirmed receiving U.S. messages and proposals.
The potential summit comes as President Trump seeks to wind down current conflicts, but Iran's control over the Gulf of Hormuz complicates any exit strategy. The U.S. has reportedly shared a 15-point plan to end the war with Israel and claimed Iran had agreed to many key points, though no tangible evidence of such agreement has emerged.
Pakistan, along with Egypt and Turkey, has been facilitating message exchanges between Tehran and Washington. Pakistani officials have stated they "stand ready and honored" to host peace talks if both countries agree, with Trump sharing this message on Truth Social as a sign of his interest in making the summit happen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concerns that Trump might strike a deal that falls short of Israel's objectives and includes significant concessions while limiting Israel's ability to conduct strikes against Iran. Israeli sources indicate skepticism about whether Iran has actually offered the concessions the U.S. claims, with leaders questioning the authenticity of any progress.
U.S. officials describe the Iranian government as being in chaos with internal communication difficulties, while the uncertain condition of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei adds confusion about decision-making authority.