The United States and Iran may begin a potential peace agreement by restoring the pre-war status quo, according to sources familiar with mediation efforts cited by CNN on Monday, April 27.
According to the outlet, despite no second round of talks taking place in Pakistan, behind-the-scenes diplomacy is ongoing and more advanced than publicly perceived, the sources said.
The initial phase of a possible deal would focus on returning conditions to how they were before the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or tolls.
More contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, would be addressed at a later stage.
US President Donald Trump has previously said any agreement would require Iran to abandon its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium and halt enrichment – conditions Tehran has consistently rejected.
According to the sources, mediators are increasing pressure on both sides to reach an agreement, with the coming days seen as critical.
The talks also carry the risk that Washington could abandon diplomacy and return to military action if progress stalls.
Previously AFP reported that oil prices jumped four percent after Iran vowed not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so long as a US naval blockade remained in place despite a ceasefire extension.
Talks between the United States and Iran have intensified alongside the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted key global oil supply routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments, and its partial closure has strained markets and shipping flows.
Divisions within Iran’s leadership have complicated negotiations, particularly over how far Tehran is willing to go on limiting uranium enrichment.
Mediation efforts involving regional actors, including Pakistan and Oman, have yet to produce a breakthrough, with both sides maintaining firm positions on core demands.