US and Iran keep talking as Trump's blockade takes effect

US President Donald Trump said Iran “badly” wants to make a deal with his administration as his blockade against the Islamic Republic took effect on Monday and a fragile ceasefire held. 

"I can tell you that we've been called by the other side.

They'd like to make a deal.

Very badly, very badly," Trump told reporters outside the Oval Office, as he picked up a McDonald's delivery from DoorDash. 

High-stakes talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended over the weekend without an agreement, but current and former US and Arab officials told Middle East Eye that both sides are still in negotiating mode.

Reuters reported on Monday that talks are still ongoing between the two sides and that Pakistan was still passing messages between Tehran and Washington.

The report said that the two sides engaged in heated discussions at times, but appeared to be on the cusp of reaching a framework agreement.

However, differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and the value of frozen Iranian assets to be unlocked prevented an agreement.

Read more: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-and-iran-keep-talking-trumps-blockade-takes-effect">US and Iran keep talking as Trump's blockade takes effect

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