[ANALYSIS] Iranian War Day 47: Eyes on a potential second meeting

DIPLOMACY US President Trump said he views the war as being very close to over. US President Trump said it could end either way, but he thinks a deal is preferable because then Iran can rebuild, while he also said he isn't thinking about extending the ceasefire and doesn't think it will be necessary. US President Trump said he doesn't like the idea of Iran agreeing to a suspension of uranium enrichment that would end after 20 years, although he did not rule the idea out. US Vice President JD Vance said the US is negotiating with Iran and that the ceasefire is holding, while adding Iranian negotiators wanted to make a deal and that he feels good about where things are. Vance also said there is a lot of mistrust between the US and Iran, which cannot be solved overnight. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead a potential second round of talks with Iranian officials should negotiations lead to another face-to-face meeting before the ceasefire expires next week. UN Secretary General Guterres said indications are that it is highly probable Iran talks will restart. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a possible extension of the temporary ceasefire between Iran and the US. Turkey’s Foreign Minister discussed US-Iran talks and steps to be taken in the coming days in a call with a Pakistani counterpart. Pakistan leadership’s overseas tour until April 18th dims prospects of US-Iran talks in Islamabad before April 18th, Pakistani journalist Mallick reported. STRAIT OF HORMUZ US Central Command said the blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented and that US forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea. US has intercepted eight Iran-linked oil tankers since the start of the blockade. A US destroyer interdicted two oil tankers that attempted to leave Iran on Tuesday. More than 20 commercial ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. Europeans are drafting a postwar plan to free up the Strait of Hormuz without the US. Israelis are reportedly in contact with Washington and European nations to ensure Houthis do not plan to disrupt maritime navigation. An Iranian VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier), which was on the US sanctions list, entered the waters of Iran past the US blockade, Fars reported. ISRAEL / LEBANON US State Department said it discussed steps to start negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, while the US expressed support for further talks. The State Department added that Lebanon called for a ceasefire and measures to address the humanitarian crisis, and that the parties agreed to start direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place. Israeli ambassador to the US said both sides are united in liberating Lebanon from Hezbollah and discussed a long-term vision for a clearly delineated border, while adding the security of Israeli civilians is not up for negotiation. Lebanon's ambassador to the US said the date and location of the next meeting with Israel will be announced later, and that the preliminary meeting with Israel was good. Guterres added that nobody expects the Israel-Lebanon talks to solve everything immediately, but they are important to create conditions for change. SCHEDULEUS President Trump's full interview with Fox is set to air on the 15th of April at 06:00 EDT / 11:00 BST.