According to Iran's Labor News Agency (ILNA), a Pakistani source familiar with the US-Iran ceasefire diplomatic negotiations revealed that the US may be seeking a "phased" agreement with Iran. In an interview with Erm News, the source stated that Trump's recent remarks about the war potentially ending before or after the US midterm elections do not necessarily indicate an imminent comprehensive agreement between the US and Iran, but rather reflect Washington's political and military considerations. The source said that while maintaining military and economic pressure on Iran, the US is also keeping communication channels open to move towards a phased understanding should a comprehensive agreement prove difficult to achieve.
According to the source, the most likely content to be reached in the first phase includes ensuring shipping safety and preventing the escalation of the conflict. Only after this can more complex issues be discussed, such as Iran's nuclear program, missile capabilities, and Iran's role in regional affairs.
The source emphasized that Trump's statement that the war might end during the November midterm elections should not be interpreted as a signal that military action is about to cease. Washington may plan to use the coming months to readjust negotiating terms and strengthen its own position in preparation for a broader agreement in the future. (No other mainstream authoritative media outlets have followed up on this news yet, but oil prices fell after the news was released.)
