Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan have made headway in bringing the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table, according to regional officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The progress came after both nations halted military operations for three days, providing a respite from approximately two weeks of sustained bombardments that had raised concerns about renewed large-scale conflict.
U.S. President Trump stated that Iran had requested further discussions and expressed optimism about potential developments, telling reporters there was “a good chance that something could happen.” Iranian officials, however, disputed the characterization of direct talks, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating that mediators may convey messages but no direct negotiations are underway. The two sides are working toward reviving an interim ceasefire deal that had collapsed following an exchange of fire.
Mediators are focusing on establishing mechanisms for managing vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where recent strikes and counterstrikes originated. Iran and Oman engaged in discussions Friday and Saturday regarding safe passage through the waterway while respecting the sovereign rights of coastal states and Iran’s security interests. The interim agreement, established in mid-June with a 60-day timeline, is now in its second half, though major issues including Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved as mediators prioritize maintaining dialogue.
Despite the pause in direct US-Iran military operations, scattered attacks by affiliated armed groups continued across the region. Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones from Iran-backed militias in Iraq targeting petroleum facilities, while Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. Attacks on Kurdish dissident groups in Iraq and drones intercepted by Jordan were also reported, with no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Analysts have noted that the prolonged military exchanges have depleted U.S. stockpiles of key weapons systems including missiles and interceptors. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has advised Trump that the state of weapons stockpiles could affect ongoing military operations. Global oil prices have risen amid the tensions, and commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz dropped to three-week lows.
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