New leverage and renewed talks push US-Iran peace effort as ceasefire nears expiry

As a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran nears expiry, both sides harden rhetoric and press toward a second Islamabad round of peace talks; Iran’s speaker hints at new leverage while Trump threatens overwhelming force, with negotiators seeking a framework rather than a final settlement as disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz persist, and naval incidents risk oil-market volatility.