US–Iran gap is smaller than it appears: Sources to CNN

• Despite no second formal meeting in Pakistan, sources say US–Iran positions are closer than publicly portrayed.
• Backchannel talks are reportedly working toward a phased deal prioritizing reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring the pre-war status quo.
• Iran’s nuclear issue -US, ‘Israel’ as a trigger for the recent war- would be postponed to a later stage.
• Mediators are increasing pressure on both sides amid warnings that the ceasefire could collapse and fighting resume.

While formal, second-round negotiations between the United States and Iran have yet to materialize in Pakistan, intense diplomatic efforts are actively continuing behind the scenes.

According to sources familiar with the ongoing mediation process, the two adversaries are closer to a framework agreement than their public stances suggest.

A Phased Approach to Peace

The current diplomatic strategy centers on a staged de-escalation process designed to immediately address the most pressing global economic concerns.

According to the sources, the initial phase of the potential deal would focus strictly on restoring the pre-war status quo. The primary objective of this first step is the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring international commercial shipping can resume without the imposition of Iranian restrictions or tolls.

Deferring the Nuclear Issue

To achieve this immediate maritime and economic relief, mediators are reportedly compartmentalizing the geopolitical flashpoints.

The highly complex and volatile issue of Iran’s nuclear program would not be resolved in the first phase, but rather addressed in later negotiations. This separation of issues is critical, as the nuclear dispute remains a massive stumbling block.

US President Donald Trump has publicly insisted that any comprehensive deal must require Iran to completely forfeit its stockpile of uranium and entirely abandon its enrichment capabilities. Tehran, however, has steadfastly refused to accept these maximalist demands.

Crucial Days Ahead

With the fragile ceasefire currently holding, international mediators are applying immense pressure on both Washington and Tehran to finalize the phased agreement.

Sources warn that the next few days are exceptionally crucial for the region's trajectory. Hanging heavily over the secret talks is the ever-present risk that if a consensus is not reached quickly, the United States may choose to disengage from the diplomatic track entirely and return to active warfare.