Iran Signals Openness to US Talks as Fragile Ceasefire Nears End

Iran appears open to resuming negotiations with the United States as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a return to war. The developments come as a two-week ceasefire between the countries is set to expire next week.

Previous talks between Iran and the US collapsed after just 21 hours, failing to resolve nearly five decades of hostility that began with Iran's 1979 revolution. The brief negotiations highlighted the deep divisions between the two nations.

President Trump hinted that Iran talks could resume this week, though Iranian officials have sent mixed signals about their willingness to negotiate. An Iranian minister recently stated there was "no intention of negotiating for now," creating uncertainty about the diplomatic path forward.

The current standoff has raised serious doubts about whether the ceasefire can hold. UN Secretary General António Guterres has expressed concern about the situation, though Iranian officials have not yet responded to Trump's latest remarks about potential talks.

BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet, reporting from Iran, notes that Iranians are watching closely to see if a deal with the US is possible under the current circumstances.