Iran finance minister says able to ‘contemplate’ diplomacy ‘as soon as the aggression is stopped’

There seem to be two tracks around Iran.

1. The US military is preparing to attack more intensely
2. Diplomats are laying the groundwork for a deal

Ultimately Trump will be the one to decide which way it will go but I think the hesitation is because the US doesn’t know how it might get out of a conflict, particularly if it’s forced to deploy ground troops.

A report that was citing Israeli media a short while ago said Trump was expected to authorize force. I’d say that’s mostly priced in but there are a lot of different permutations. The US could quickly call it off after a few strikes on nuclear facilities and then try to start negotiations.

As for this comment from the Finance Minister; this stance has been widely reported as their stance, though I’m not sure it’s come directly from a top government official previously.