Trump Signals Potential Restart of Iran Peace Talks Amid Port Blockade and Energy Strain

President Donald Trump has suggested that diplomatic negotiations with Iran could resume within the next 36 to 72 hours. This development follows mediation efforts by Pakistan and Turkey to revive discussions that collapsed eleven days ago. While Trump responded "It's possible!" to inquiries regarding the timeline, Iranian officials, including mission head Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, stated that Tehran refuses to negotiate "under threat" and demands the immediate removal of the U.S. port blockade currently choking the Iranian economy. On the economic front, the Trump administration has adjusted its strategy to address global energy shortages exacerbated by the conflict. Treasury Secretary Bessent extended a sanctions waiver for Russian crude oil already in transit, reversing an earlier plan to tighten restrictions. The move follows appeals from over 10 energy-vulnerable nations and is intended to release 250 million barrels into the market to mitigate rising gasoline prices and supply volatility. Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, where the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that three container ships were hit by gunfire from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC has characterized such actions as responses to maritime violations, despite the President's recent ceasefire extension. Energy analysts warn that shipping normalization is unlikely before June, even if a diplomatic breakthrough is achieved in the coming days.