President points to possible diplomatic breakthrough while announcing halted executions and extended ceasefire amid internal divisions in Tehran.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran could resume as soon as Friday, as diplomatic efforts intensify following a temporary ceasefire and signs of internal divisions within Iran’s leadership.
Sources in Islamabad told the New York Post that “good news” regarding renewed discussions could emerge within the next 36 to 72 hours. When asked about the possibility, Trump responded, “It’s possible! President DJT.”
The potential talks follow ongoing mediation led by Pakistani officials, who have maintained communication with both Washington and Tehran. According to officials cited by Axios, Iran’s leadership has been given a limited window to unify behind a proposal or risk the collapse of the ceasefire extended earlier this week.
The diplomatic developments coincided with Trump announcing that eight Iranian women facing execution would no longer be put to death after he urged Iranian authorities to grant clemency. In a Truth Social post, Trump said, “I have just been informed that the eight women protestors who were going to be executed tonight in Iran will no longer be killed.”
He added that four of the women would be released immediately, while the remaining four would serve one-month prison sentences. “I very much appreciate that Iran, and its leaders, respected my request, as President of the United States, and terminated the planned execution,” Trump said.
The announcement came a day after Trump publicly appealed to Iran’s leadership, writing, “Please do them no harm!” and calling their release “a great start to our negotiations!!!”
U.S. officials said progress toward a broader agreement remains uncertain due to fractures within Iran’s leadership structure. One official described a split between civilian negotiators and the military, noting that “neither side” appears to have consistent access to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Those divisions became more apparent after an initial round of talks in Islamabad, where Iranian military leadership, including IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi, rejected elements discussed by civilian officials. Tensions also surfaced publicly when Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, only for military officials to refuse implementation.
Officials said instability has been compounded by the assassination of former security council chief Ali Larijani, who had played a key role in coordinating policy. His successor, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, has struggled to unify competing factions, according to U.S. sources.
Vice President JD Vance had been expected to travel to Pakistan to lead the next phase of talks, but the trip was canceled after Iran failed to confirm participation. Air Force Two remained grounded for several hours before the decision was made to postpone, while envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner returned to Washington.
Trump opted to extend the ceasefire after consulting with senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded,” Trump said in a separate Truth Social post.
He also pointed to economic pressure on Iran, writing that the country is “collapsing financially” and losing hundreds of millions of dollars daily while seeking to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under current blockade conditions.
U.S. officials said the ceasefire continues to hold despite elevated rhetoric, and mediators are working to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. While Trump has signaled a preference for a negotiated resolution after achieving military objectives, officials said the option of renewed military action remains if diplomacy fails.