US-Iran talks stall as Israel questions chances of breakthrough

Efforts by US President Donald Trump to secure a deal with Iran to end hostilities in the Middle East appear to have stalled, with Israeli officials casting doubt on the prospects for success.

Three senior Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Iran was unlikely to accept Washington’s terms in any new round of negotiations. Previous talks collapsed in late February as tensions between the US, Israel and Iran escalated into open conflict.

The main sticking point remains US demands to curb Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile development. However, Trump has struck a more optimistic tone in public, describing the discussions on social media as ‘very good and productive’.

(reuters, pir)