In an interview with Neue Zürcher Zeitung, former US ambassador to Oman Leslie Tsou said Washington’s setbacks in Iran are largely rooted in a lack of reliable information. She argued that the United States has a limited understanding of what is actually happening inside the country.

Tsou noted that for decades the US has lacked a diplomatic presence in Iran, which, in her view, has significantly weakened its ability to assess the internal situation. As a result, she said, American officials do not fully grasp how the Iranian political system functions or what views prevail among the population. She added that this gap in understanding extends beyond Iran to much of the Middle East.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced plans for a new round of talks, which he said could take place soon in Islamabad. However, the IRNA news agency later reported that Iran had declined to participate, citing a blockade of the strait and what it described as unrealistic demands from Washington. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said a final decision on future contacts with the US had not yet been made.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that hostilities between the United States and Iran could resume in the coming days if no breakthrough is achieved in negotiations. According to the outlet, the situation remains at a critical point, with a two-week truce agreed on April 8 set to expire on April 21.