Frankfurt (Germany), 22 March (LaPresse) – The Trump administration has begun initial discussions on a possible path to negotiations with Iran, as the war enters its fourth week. Axios reports this, citing US sources familiar with the talks. According to reports, envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are involved in planning the diplomatic phase, with the aim of being ready should negotiations open up, despite expectations of further weeks of fighting. At present, there are no recent direct contacts between Washington and Tehran, but countries such as Qatar, Egypt and the United Kingdom are said to have played an informal mediating role, conveying messages between the parties. Iran is said to have expressed a willingness to negotiate, but on strict terms, including a ceasefire, guarantees against a resumption of hostilities and compensation. The United States, however, is aiming for a broader agreement that includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, oversight of sensitive activities and an end to support for allied groups in the region. However, the gap between the positions remains wide: Tehran has already rejected similar demands in the past, whilst President Donald Trump has ruled out, at least for now, concessions on a ceasefire and compensation, though he has left the door open to dialogue. At the same time, Washington is assessing potential interlocutors in Tehran and the most effective channels of mediation, with Qatar considered among the main options.