US-Iran Mediation Efforts Stall Amid Nuclear Disputes

Mediators are working to broker a US-Iran deal to end the fighting and open the Strait of Hormuz, but major hurdles remain between the two sides. The indirect talks come as the conflict, which is entering its eighth month, has caused global economic damage and badly battered Iran.

The behind-the-scenes efforts continue even after U.S. President Donald Trump initially said he spurned an Iranian proposal to reopen the strait in a week if the U.S. agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, release frozen Iranian assets, and waive sanctions on Iranian oil sales, among other conditions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with Qatari mediators Monday about the latest discussions, according to Iranian state media. Trump is open to pursuing a non-military resolution to the conflict if one can be achieved, but the U.S. administration will not reach a deal with Tehran until nuclear issues are addressed.

The sides are far apart on timing and which side makes the first moves, with Iran indicating it is flexible on nuclear issues. The draft text being discussed includes reopening the strait in accordance with a separate deal that Iran has been discussing with Oman, without tolls, as Tehran pursues.