US strikes test fragile ceasefire
The United States launched strikes on southern Iran this week, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command called the operations defensive and stressed they did not end the seven-week ceasefire with Iran. Four Iranian Revolutionary Guard troops were killed in the strikes, according to Iranian news outlet Tabnak. The situation around Bandar Abbas, home to a military port on the strait, was reported under control by Iranian state media.
Qatar talks resume with high stakes
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf led a delegation to Qatar for new negotiations. The group included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, fueling speculation that frozen asset releases are on the table. The proposed memorandum of understanding would see Iran restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil usually flows. Nuclear negotiations would follow within 30 to 60 days after an initial agreement.
Trump faces pressure from all sides
President Trump warned on Truth Social that talks were going nicely but fresh attacks would follow if they failed. He offered a concession by suggesting Iran's enriched uranium could be destroyed inside the country under international supervision. Republican hawks have criticized the deal for reportedly returning billions in frozen assets to Tehran, comparing it to the 2015 nuclear deal Trump previously withdrew from. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the strait would open one way or another, while Trump separately threatened to blow up Oman amid the diplomacy.