US-Iran ceasefire negotiations continue as first truce nears expiration

The United States and Iran reached an initial two-week ceasefire after intensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey as mediators, with Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly giving the green light for negotiations. The ceasefire came under strain as the US seized an Iranian cargo ship accused of violating a naval blockade, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz again and signal reluctance to participate in a second round of talks. Trump subsequently said he would extend the ceasefire until Iranian proposals are submitted and discussions concluded, with a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner traveling to Islamabad for negotiations.