Trump says ‘good chance’ of progress in Iran talks. What we know

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that US President Donald Trump said Washington is in “very friendly negotiations” with Iran after halting US military strikes last week, telling supporters in Michigan on Monday that there was a “good chance” of movement toward ending months of fighting. He also warned that attacks could resume if diplomacy breaks down. Iran, however, has denied direct negotiations with the United States, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei saying intermediaries may be passing along US messages.

The talks, which Al Jazeera said entered a third day on Tuesday, are focused heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage linking Gulf energy exporters to open waters. The dispute follows an April ceasefire brokered by Pakistan and a June memorandum intended to create space for wider negotiations. Al Jazeera reported that disagreements quickly emerged over whether Iran controls shipping routes through the strait, whether vessels must use an Iran-approved lane, and whether transit-related fees could be imposed.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Axios and the Wall Street Journal, Oman is leading mediation, with Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt also involved, alongside Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Proposals reportedly under discussion include a regional mechanism to manage maritime safety and services, and possible fee arrangements connected to security or environmental protection, potentially involving the International Maritime Organization.

The issue matters because Al Jazeera says about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments move through the strait in peacetime. Recent strikes, blockades and attacks on shipping have raised fears of a wider regional conflict and unsettled oil markets. Trump’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also identified as a factor that could affect the direction of the talks.