Iran’s Nuclear Stance Stalls Peace Efforts as US Maintains Economic Pressure

WASHINGTON, Nov 14: Diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran remain stalled as Tehran refuses to discuss its nuclear program before Washington accepts its ceasefire conditions, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

US President Donald Trump believes Iran is not negotiating in good faith, a person familiar with his thinking told AP, amid growing uncertainty over prospects for renewed diplomatic engagement.

Trump was aware that Vice President JD Vance was considering renewed contact with Iranian negotiators before instructing him to shift his attention to domestic fraud investigations, the report said.

Meanwhile, Qatar continues to pursue an interim agreement aimed at restoring shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, regional diplomats told AP that diplomatic efforts remain in a holding pattern.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington's economic pressure campaign had significantly weakened Tehran, reducing the need for further military strikes while maintaining the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

"If there's a deal to be done, the president will be the first one to be in favor of it," Rubio said. "But it's not going to be a stupid deal. It's not going to be a bad deal."

The latest developments underscore the continuing diplomatic deadlock, with Washington maintaining economic pressure while Tehran's nuclear demands and conditions for a ceasefire remain major obstacles to reaching an agreement.