-- US President Donald Trump said Thursday he is "very optimistic" about a potential peace deal with Iran as talks begin, despite a fragile ceasefire and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, NBC News reported.
Trump said Iranian officials are "much more reasonable" in negotiations, noting they are showing willingness to meet key conditions, while warning that failure to reach an agreement would have serious consequences.
A US team led by Vice President J D Vance is set to travel to Pakistan for key negotiations in Islamabad aimed at resolving the nearly six-week-long conflict.
The ceasefire is under pressure as Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon continue, leading Trump to call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce military activity, the report added, citing two senior administration officials.
Trump said he had spoken with Netanyahu, who reportedly told Trump, "he's going to low-key it." Vance also suggested Israel may scale back its actions during the ongoing offensive, according to the report.
Netanyahu said Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah, stating he insisted the ceasefire "not include Hezbollah," while also signaling openness to direct negotiations with Lebanon.
European leaders have urged that Lebanon be included in the limited ceasefire, according to the report.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited, with only five vessels crossing on Wednesday, the first day of the truce and none carrying oil or gas, raising doubts about whether flows are truly resuming, the report added.
As of midday Thursday, two vessels had crossed the strait.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)