USA-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE AMID STRIKES

The government of the United States of America (hereinafter: USA) and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran continue negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict through intermediaries based in Pakistan and Qatar. The Foreign Minister of the USA stated on 26 May 2026 that an agreement could be finalised within days. Negotiations proceed whilst military operations continue, with the United States Central Command (hereinafter: CENTCOM) conducting strikes on targets in southern Iran on 26 May 2026 and Iranian forces returning fire.

Mediator Roles And Negotiation Channels

Pakistan serves as the primary intermediary between Washington and Tehran. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, met with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran on 24 May 2026 (Al Jazeera). The discussions focused on preventing escalation and ending the conflict.

Qatar has supplemented mediation efforts alongside Pakistan. A Qatari delegation travelled to Tehran earlier in May 2026 to support negotiations toward a final agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson of Iran Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Pakistani officials retain their position as official mediators despite the Qatari involvement. Rubio stated on 24 May 2026 that Pakistan continues to serve as the primary interlocutor (Al Jazeera).

The Sultanate of Oman previously hosted negotiations between the government of the USA and the government of Iran prior to the commencement of military operations in February 2026. An Iranian delegation led by Ghalibaf travelled to Qatar on 26 May 2026 for talks. Ghalibaf led negotiations with the Vice-President of the USA during discussions in Pakistan in April 2026.

Military Operations During Negotiation Process

CENTCOM announced it conducted strikes in southern Iran during the early hours of 26 May 2026 local time. Spokesperson for CENTCOM Tim Hawkins stated the action targeted missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to place mines (Al Jazeera). The United States military characterised the operations as defensive measures to protect forces from threats posed by Iranian military assets.

Iranian state media reported that the military of Iran returned fire following the strikes. Multiple casualties were reported by Iranian sources, though specific figures were not provided. The fragile ceasefire implemented on 8 April 2026 has not formally collapsed despite continued military incidents.

A naval blockade imposed by the USA on Iranian ports since 13 April 2026 remains in effect. The blockade has redirected over 100 commercial vessels attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports. Economic pressure on Iran includes the elimination of the United Arab Emirates as a primary source of imports following deterioration in relations and Iranian missile attacks against Emirati territory during the conflict.

Negotiation Framework And Terms

The North American Foreign Minister outlined requirements for any agreement during statements on 26 May 2026. The government of the USA seeks cessation of alleged Iranian nuclear weapons development, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and transfer of enriched uranium. He indicated that regional leaders have expressed support for a preliminary draft agreement during a conference call organised by President of the USA.

Further, the USA’s Foreign Minister stated on 26 May 2026 that the government of the USA would provide diplomacy opportunities to succeed before exploring alternatives. Iranian news agencies reported that disputes over one or two issues were jeopardising the potential agreement. The Tasnim News Agency stated on 26 May 2026 that disagreements remained regarding specific terms (TRT World).

The Iranian government has not issued any official statements regarding the proposed framework. Communications through news agencies, frequently used for messaging from the Iranian leadership, have addressed aspects of the negotiations without confirming details of the draft agreement.

Turkish Mediation Efforts

President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan communicated with Pezeshkian by telephone on 26 May 2026. Erdoğan stated that Ankara would continue supporting efforts for peace and stability through negotiations to resolve regional conflict (TRT World). Erdoğan indicated that Türkiye is working with states in the region to ensure peace and stability and will continue providing support for negotiations to yield positive results.

Erdoğan stated that ongoing regional conflicts have cast a shadow over the Eid al-Adha holiday but expressed confidence that Iranian society would overcome the difficult period. Erdoğan had previously held a teleconference with the North American counterpart and regional leaders to discuss developments regarding Iran and the broader Sub-Anatolian situation.

Regional Implications And Diplomatic Alignments

The negotiations occur against the backdrop of broader regional tensions in Sub-Anatolia. The government of Israel continues military operations against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley. The Israeli Defence Forces stated on 26 May 2026 that it struck over 100 sites overnight. These operations continue despite a ceasefire arrangement brokered by the government of the United States of America.

The naval blockade and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have affected global oil markets. Oil prices fell below 100 USA dollars per barrel during late May 2026 as expectations increased for an agreement that would reopen the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a transit point for approximately one-fifth of global petroleum supplies.

Prospects For Agreement And Implementation Challenges

The current ceasefire is more of a tactical tool than a strategic development for lasting peace. Primarily, the continued strikes on Iran and accompanying diplomatic efforts by the USA to mitigate the negative effects of their attack indicate that the ceasefire aims at a military and political realignment after the difficulties they faced against Iran earlier this year.

Additionally, Israel, the key partner of the USA and primary commanding actor of the axis, continues its conquest of Lebanon, the West Bank and parts of Syria, it becomes clear that during the ceasefire stage, the priorities merely shift, but the goals remain the same for the axis.

Hence, the attacks on Iran will soon intensify and lead to a renewed war between the involved parties. The question of how this next wave of aggression ends will be primarily determined by the tactical calculations and preparations of both sides during the summer months.