US-Iran Back-Channel Talks Continue Despite Escalation, Report Says

Source

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Back-channel talks between the US and Iran are continuing, and progress toward a deal is still being made.
The Trump administration is reviewing the possibility of a second face-to-face meeting and a ceasefire extension, and is preparing to move quickly if needed.
The US focused on the nuclear issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran sought a comprehensive agreement, exposing differences over the scope of the agenda.

Forecast Trend Report by Period

Trump Says Iran Is "Desperate" for a Deal

CNN Says Ceasefire Could Be Extended Depending on Developments

*Photo: somkanae sawatdinak/Shutterstock*

Back-channel talks between the US and Iran are continuing even after an initial round of ceasefire negotiations collapsed and Washington declared a counter-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, major foreign media outlets reported.

Reuters and CNN reported on June 13, citing US officials and several people familiar with the negotiations, that the option of renewed dialogue between Washington and Tehran remains alive. One US official said the two sides are still in contact and continue to make progress toward an agreement. Trump said the same day that Iran had reached out first and was "desperate" for a deal.

Preparations for a second face-to-face meeting are also taking shape. One source said the Trump administration is reviewing possible timing and locations in case a second meeting is arranged before the two-week ceasefire expires on June 21. Islamabad and Geneva are being discussed as possible venues. "We need to be ready to move quickly if events head in that direction," the source said. Bloomberg also reported that similar discussions are underway.

Mediation channels also remain active. A diplomat based in the Middle East said contacts between the US and mediators have continued even after Vice President JD Vance left Islamabad, with Pakistan serving as a conduit for messages. Turkiye is also involved in the mediation effort. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is doing everything possible to help resolve the issue.

CNN, citing a person familiar with the negotiations, reported that the Trump administration has not fully abandoned the possibility of a diplomatic settlement and that the ceasefire deadline itself could be extended depending on how events unfold. Reuters said differences over the scope of the agenda also contributed to the collapse of the first round of talks. The US focused on the nuclear issue and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran sought a broader, more comprehensive agreement.

Hong Min-seong, Hankyung.com reporter mshong@hankyung.com