Day 57 brought the clearest signal yet that negotiations may be advancing. The picture remains contradictory.
Trump: Iran Ready to Deal
President Trump said Thursday night that Iran plans to offer something in talks that “will be consistent with the demands of the United States.”
B92.net reported the statement under the headline “Total Reversal: Tehran Agrees to American Conditions?” Iran has not publicly confirmed any concession.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei posted on X the same day that Iranian officials do not plan to meet US representatives in Pakistan.
Flights Resume
Iran resumed international commercial flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on Friday. It was the first such departure in roughly two months.
State television reported flights have restarted to Istanbul, Muscat and Medina, AP said.
Commercial aviation is one of the first services countries restore when they anticipate de-escalation.
Araghchi’s Diplomatic Tour
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistani military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday. Iranian state media published photos of the meeting.
After the Islamabad meetings, Araghchi said he would travel next to Oman and Russia. He described the purpose as “coordination with partners on bilateral issues and consultations on regional developments.”
Oman has served as a longstanding mediator between Washington and Tehran. Russia is Iran’s closest major power ally. The itinerary suggests Iran is building diplomatic cover for whatever comes next.
Turkey Offers to Clear Mines
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could join demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz after any peace agreement.
Speaking to reporters in London, Fidan said a technical team drawn from multiple countries would be formed after a deal. He described demining as a humanitarian obligation that Turkey views positively.
Italy earlier announced it would send up to four ships, including two minesweepers. Britain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium are also planning contributions.
43 Ships Stranded
At least 43 container ships belonging to the 10 largest global shipping companies remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, Lloyd’s List reported.
CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC suspended services in the region after the war began in late February. Some ships evacuated safely. Iranian authorities seized two MSC vessels.
Iran Claims Missile Capacity Intact
Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said a significant portion of the country’s missile capacity remains unused.
Iran produces more than 1,000 types of weapons on domestic lines, he said, and 9,000 companies cooperate with the military and defense ministry. Production continues even when individual facilities are damaged, he added.
Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned investors to exit American assets while they still can. He claimed on X that financial measures already in place can restrict the sale of American assets, including hidden limits for certain institutional investors. He said Washington prioritizes the stability of its bond markets, with the yield curve reflecting pressures on American debt.