Trump ready for Iran talks but sets ceasefire precondition

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump is willing to pursue peace talks with Iran but has conditioned any negotiations on Tehran first accepting a ceasefire, according to a US official cited by the New York Post. The official described a ceasefire as "the foundation of any talks" and said the first step must come from Iran. Trump wants to reach an agreement as quickly as possible, the official added, while warning that any continued Iranian targeting of US ships, bases and Gulf allies would come "at a cost." According to the report, Washington and Tehran are communicating through technical teams and international intermediaries. The goal is a framework described as "Memorandum of Understanding 2.0," which would blend elements of the previous nuclear deal with new arrangements. The official also said Trump wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to international shipping and opposes any fees Iran imposes on vessel passage.