As tensions between the United States and Iran show little sign of resolution, the U.S. is reportedly considering a gradual agreement with Iran.
On September 14, the UAE media outlet Erem News reported, citing a Pakistani source familiar with U.S.-Iran negotiations, that the Trump administration appears to be maintaining high levels of military and economic pressure on Iran while keeping communication channels open. The report added that if a comprehensive agreement with Iran proves difficult to achieve quickly, the U.S. is exploring the option of transitioning to a gradual agreement. Pakistan is acting as a mediator in the U.S.-Iran negotiations and is urging both sides to return to the negotiating table amid a prolonged deadlock.
The source explained that the most realistic negotiation scenario moving forward would involve starting with manageable issues and gradually building agreements. Initially, the focus would be on relatively quick-to-manage matters such as navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing conflict escalation, before moving on to more complex issues like nuclear and missile concerns and Iran's role in the Middle East.
He also cautioned against interpreting President Trump's mention of a potential end to military operations around the time of the November midterm elections as a signal of a halt to military actions. Instead, he suggested that the U.S. views the coming months as a period to recalibrate negotiation conditions and the balance of power, indicating a likelihood of renewed military pressure to achieve a broader agreement afterward.
On the same day, President Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "Once the military conflict with Iran ends, oil prices will plummet," adding that "peace is not far off." During a press conference while visiting Ireland the previous day, he remarked that the conflict with Iran could end "right after the midterms, or perhaps even before," asserting that "Iran desperately wants to negotiate. They keep calling."
The Pakistani source analyzed Trump's comments as sending simultaneous messages to both the U.S. domestic audience and Iran ahead of the midterm elections. The U.S. does not desire an endless war, but when negotiations resume, it aims to assert its conditions based on a position of strength or secure concessions on key issues. He noted that the timing of any agreement would depend on the progress of military operations and both sides' ability to bear the costs of continued conflict. Additionally, changes in the energy market and maritime transport conditions are critical variables that could increase pressure on all parties to return to the negotiating table.
However, both the U.S. and Iran are currently engaged in a tense standoff to gain the upper hand in negotiations, leaving the prospect of talks still uncertain. President Trump stated on Truth Social, "The collapsing nation of Iran desperately wants to negotiate," adding, "I will decide whether the U.S. will enter negotiations." He emphasized, "We are open to options for entering negotiations."
In response, Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, cautioned on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) against being misled by the U.S. president's fluctuating statements, which shifted from "no negotiations" to "ready to talk." He asserted, "The situation surrounding oil and the straits has already changed," emphasizing that there will be no negotiations until Iran's conditions are met.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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