US Iran Talks Resume as Both Sides Respond

WASHINGTON: (Special Reporter) – The United States and Iran have submitted their responses to a proposal presented by Pakistan and Qatar aimed at restarting negotiations between the two countries, according to reports by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath.

A source later told the outlets that Iran has not completely withdrawn from the talks but has temporarily suspended negotiations while remaining prepared to continue dialogue under the framework of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding.

The source also said Iran informed Pakistani officials that it rejected the proposal to establish a new corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments come after a second consecutive night without US strikes on Iran, following nearly two weeks of intense military operations.

According to a report by Axios, US President Donald Trump approved military strike plans presented by officials each day for 13 consecutive days, with operations generally launched within hours. However, Trump declined to approve a new strike plan presented on Friday and instructed the military to pause further attacks, according to sources familiar with the decision.

Shortly after ordering the halt, Trump told reporters at the White House that he still had the option to continue or expand military action against Iran. However, he said diplomacy remained the preferred approach.

“We’re talking to the Iranians right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by. We’re locked and loaded and ready to go, but we’re talking to them,” Trump said.

The reported pause has raised questions over whether the move represents a temporary break in military operations or a possible opening for renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.