Tehran is expected to answer mediators on Thursday on a one-page memorandum that would end the war and open 30 days of talks on nuclear issues, assets and Strait of Hormuz security.
Trump said talks had gone well but warned bombing could resume without a deal. Israel, fearing late US concessions, held discussions with Trump officials.
Regional tensions remain high: US forces fired on an Iranian-flagged tanker, about 1,600 ships remain stranded near Hormuz, and Israel struck Beirut for the first time since Lebanon's ceasefire.
Amid peace talks, why are the US and Israel launching new military strikes in the region?
As a US-Iran deal is drafted, why are Iran's escalating political executions being ignored?
With 20% of global oil blocked, can a naval mission truly reopen the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran’s Rejection of U.S. 14-Point MOU Sparks Diplomatic Deadlock and Global Energy Crisis
Overview
On May 7, 2026, Iran formally responded to the U.S. 14-point memorandum by rejecting the U.S. legal justification for the war and nuclear accusations, while presenting its own counterproposal. Despite U.S. President Trump's optimism and warnings of renewed bombing, deep divisions remain over nuclear activities, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing U.S. naval blockade and Iran's retaliatory actions in the Strait have caused a sharp drop in shipping traffic, leading to surging global energy costs and supply chain disruptions. Regional instability, fueled by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, further complicates negotiations, resulting in a persistent deadlock despite Pakistan's mediation efforts.