Trump Says US-Iran Talks Continue; Iran Reportedly Reviewing Ceasefire Proposal

(CNA, Dubai/Tehran, June 2) Following US President Donald Trump's statement that negotiations between the US and Iran are continuing, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported today that Iran is reviewing a ceasefire proposal with the United States. According to Reuters, the conflict, which began over three months ago when the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, remains in a stalemate. Negotiations for an interim agreement have stalled, leaving the Strait of Hormuz largely closed. Mehr News Agency, citing sources, reported that Iran has not yet responded to the final text of the interim agreement, adopting a "strict" stance due to past US failures to honor commitments and long-standing mistrust. Trump stated yesterday that talks with Iran are ongoing and that an agreement to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within the next week. However, a senior Iranian military official said today that a return to combat between Iran and the US is inevitable. According to AFP, Mohammad Jafar Assadi, deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated, "The US is demanding our total surrender, but the Iranian nation will never yield." He added, "Since we will not surrender, war is inevitable."