US and Iran Reportedly to Begin Next Round of Talks on April 16, Striving for Agreement Before Ceasefire Expires

Two US officials and informed sources revealed that the United States and Iran are evaluating starting a new round of face-to-face negotiations on April 16. The goal is to reach an agreement aimed at ending the six-week war before the ceasefire expires next week. An unnamed diplomat from a mediating country further indicated that Tehran and Washington have reached a consensus on this. The three sources stated that discussions about the new round of talks are ongoing. Another diplomat from a mediating country further noted that Tehran and Washington have already agreed to this. All four sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the diplomatic negotiations. The diplomat and US officials stated that it is unclear whether delegations of the same level will attend the talks. They also mentioned that Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is again being discussed as a potential negotiation venue, with US officials adding that Geneva is also a possible option. Although the location and time have not been finalized, talks could begin as early as the 16th. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to Agence France-Presse, despite international calls for adherence to the ceasefire and resumption of negotiations, US President Trump warned today that any Iranian attack boats approaching the US Navy's blockade line on Iranian ports would be destroyed. The US military stated that this blockade applies to all vessels leaving or seeking to dock at Iranian ports. Trump posted on social media that the main force of the Iranian navy had been destroyed during the war, but he stated that if Tehran's remaining "fast attack boats" dared to approach the blockade line, "they will be immediately eliminated." He also said that 34 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, claiming it was the highest record since the war began, though this number could not be immediately confirmed.