Mediators have achieved progress in efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to negotiations, regional officials said Monday, following a period of escalating tensions that led to fears of a renewed all-out conflict. Both sides have paused attacks for three days, a respite after nearly two weeks of sustained bombardments.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran had initiated contact for further discussions, saying, "I think there's a good chance that something could happen." However, Iran has maintained that no direct talks are currently underway, with its Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicating that "mediators may convey messages to us from the American side."
Regional officials, speaking anonymously, indicated that mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, are working to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran to re-establish an interim ceasefire agreement that had previously collapsed.
Despite the lull in direct exchanges, scattered drone attacks have underscored ongoing regional instability. Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq that were targeting its petroleum facilities. Separately, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil facilities as part of a related conflict. Additionally, two drone attacks were reported against a Kurdish Iranian dissident group in Iraq, and Jordan reported downing two drones, though their origin was not specified.
The recent escalation began when Iran fired at ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. The U.S. responded with strikes on Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on countries hosting U.S. troops, resulting in casualties at bases in Jordan and Iraq. Iran halted its attacks following the U.S. pause.
Analysts suggest the recent exchanges have depleted U.S. stockpiles of key weapons systems, including missiles and interceptors. When questioned about the nation's munitions stockpile, Trump provided a seemingly contradictory response, stating it was "in very good shape" while also expressing a desire for "more, to be honest." Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has informed Trump about the potential impact of the stockpile's condition on military operations, according to a U.S. official.
Mediators are also reportedly working with Iran and Oman on a mechanism to manage vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Iran and Oman discussed on Friday and Saturday how to manage ship traffic through the waterway, aiming to ensure safe navigation while respecting sovereign rights and Iran's national interests. The spokesperson stressed that the waterway remains closed.
The U.S. military confirmed its naval blockade against Iran is ongoing, with several commercial ships redirected, disabled, or boarded. The interim deal established in mid-June, which was meant to address issues including Iran's nuclear program, is now in its latter half, with major points yet to be negotiated.
Concerns have also arisen regarding shipping traffic in the Bab al-Mandeb strait to the Red Sea, where the Houthis have previously threatened a blockade and attacked a Saudi tanker. Commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has decreased, while traffic through Bab el-Mandeb has remained steady.
In parallel diplomatic developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington. This follows a period of conflict that began after the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, resulting in the deaths of senior Iranian leaders. The U.S. State Department announced that talks between Israel and Lebanon concerning the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the transfer of security to the Lebanese Armed Forces will continue next week in Rome.