Trump claims direct talks with Iran: Is diplomacy picking up again?

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump claimed the US is "hopefully toward the end" of its conflict with Iran and said he has spoken directly with Iranian officials, suggesting potential renewed diplomacy despite ongoing hostilities in Yemen.
• Tehran has not confirmed any resumption of direct talks with Washington and insists on US compliance with conditions related to a June agreement, while Iran continues to enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
• Recent diplomatic activity includes Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaging with Pakistani and Chinese officials, with China expressing willingness to support peace efforts and calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
• US officials reportedly met with Yemen’s Houthi representatives, who pledged not to attack American or Israeli vessels and to uphold a 2025 ceasefire, even as the Houthis have intensified control over strategic maritime routes in the Red Sea.
• Diplomatic efforts remain fragile following the collapse of a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding last month, with upcoming US-Gulf leader meetings at the UN General Assembly aimed at addressing the conflict and its impact on global energy supplies.