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Washington: Days after Iran and the US failed to reach an agreement at the recent peace talks in Pakistan, both sides have made fresh progress in talks aimed at ending the war. The latest round of talks has increased the chances of an agreement between the two sides, officials have said.

Speaking to Axios, one of the US officials said that the day was quite hectic due to intense diplomatic activity. “They were on the phone and backchanneling with all the countries, and they are getting closer,” he was quoted as saying further. Another official added, “We want to make a deal. And parts of their government want to make a deal. Now the trick is to get the whole government over there to make the deal.”

Are both countries looking to extend ceasefire?

Meanwhile, another report by news agency Bloomberg claimed that both countries are looking to extend their ceasefire for two more weeks. The current ceasefire will end on April 21. The report added that officials are working to set up talks to resolve major issues, which include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

While Iran closed the waterway as the war intensified in the Middle East recently, the US late Sunday announced a blockade of Strait of Hormuz. It also said that vessels passing through after paying toll to Iran would be stopped.

The talks are being mediated by Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey. Mediators are looking to iron out the differences so that the war is stopped. Ever since the war started the global economy has taken a major hit.

War ‘very close’ to over: Donald Trump

Speaking to Fox Business Network earlier in the day, Trump said that the war is close to breaking out. “I think it’s close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over.” He added, “We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly.”