[Anchor]
Expectations that the U.S. and Iran would hold their first face-to-face talks this weekend have not materialized.
A direct meeting could become a pivotal turning point.
This is reporter Ye-rin Kim.
[Reporter]
The Trump administration, which has been conducting back-channel contacts with Iran, has signaled a willingness to shift to in-person negotiations.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the two sides could meet this week.
「Steve Witkoff / U.S. Middle East Envoy (local time, 27th)」 I think talks (with Iran) will take place this week. We certainly hope so.
With the weekend fast approaching, Tehran has not yet signaled a response.
Significant gaps remain over the terms to end the conflict.
The U.S. has laid out 15 conditions, including a demand that Iran abandon its nuclear program; Iran has answered with five counterproposals.
Tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz have also resurfaced, dimming hopes of a quick settlement.
Deep mutual distrust between Washington and Tehran is another major obstacle to progress.
Tehran remains wary, viewing U.S. requests for talks as a possible smokescreen ahead of a decisive strike.
As diplomacy stalled, analysts warned President Trump was tilting toward a ground campaign. The Washington Post reported the Pentagon is preparing a weeks-long ground operation.
Sources say any plan would be limited rather than a full-scale invasion, and it is unclear whether President Trump would authorize it.
Military analysts caution that operations often discussed publicly—such as seizing Harg Island—would likely extend the conflict well beyond the 4–6 weeks the U.S. has projected.
Mediators also say that even if ground forces are deployed, Iran is unlikely to capitulate.
Mediating countries remain active in trying to ease military tensions.
Pakistan, which has offered to mediate, invited the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt to Islamabad for a four-way meeting.
As the war reaches the one-month mark, signals for both negotiation and escalation are colliding. All eyes are on whether these potentially pivotal face-to-face talks will actually take place.
This is Ye-rin Kim of Yonhap News TV.
[Video editing: Do-i Kim]
[Graphics: Hyung-seo Kim]
[News Review]
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Ye-rin Kim (yey@yna.co.kr)
