“Consultations are intense”: Iran signals possible resumption of negotiations with the United States

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says diplomatic consultations are “very intense,” with Qatar and Pakistan playing active mediating roles to avert renewed hostilities with the United States. Tehran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz in two days rather than the initially proposed seven, if its conditions are met; Washington has rejected Iran’s demands. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has granted the government certain powers, President Massoud Pezeshkian said. Reports of the discussions helped Brent crude fall 6% to $106 a barrel, compared with about $70 before the war.