Politico reports the one‑month US‑Iran ceasefire expires next Monday; if not
extended, the near six‑month conflict could resume. A White House official said
talks were 'stalled' as of Friday afternoon and they had not heard of any
extension plan, adding distance is irrelevant — the key is whether Iran will
return to the table, and so far it has not. Negotiations are hampered by
fragmented power in Iran — the IRGC, clerical authorities and the government
hold divergent positions and all factions must sign off — with key disputes on
sanctions, frozen assets and passage of the Strait of Hormuz; US officials say
any fees or transit control are 'unacceptable.' The Trump administration says it
reserves 'all options' if Iran refuses a deal and that sanctions and a blockade
have severely damaged Iran's economy; sources say the US may be underestimating
Iran's endurance and would need rapid action to stabilise the situation ahead of
the midterm elections.
