US and Iran make ‘progress’ in talks
Diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure a ceasefire are currently contradictory. While US officials and mediators in Qatar report progress on proposals, Iran denied President Trump's claim that direct negotiations were starting. A proposed agreement with Oman involves ships using an Iranian-controlled entry and an Oman-controlled exit for the Persian Gulf, with fees for security. Simultaneously, the conflict has shifted as Saudi Arabia publicly joined military actions against Tehran-backed proxies, complicating the path to a deal.
What changed
Saudi Arabia has now publicly joined military escalations against Iranian proxies while the US and Iran provide conflicting accounts of negotiation progress.
Live updates
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US and Iran diplomatic efforts clash with Saudi military escalation
Diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure a ceasefire are currently contradictory. While US officials and mediators in Qatar report progress on proposals, Iran denied President Trump's claim that direct negotiations were starting. A proposed agreement with Oman involves ships using an Iranian-controlled entry and an Oman-controlled exit for the Persian Gulf, with fees for security. Simultaneously, the conflict has shifted as Saudi Arabia publicly joined military actions against Tehran-backed proxies, complicating the path to a deal.
Why it matters
The US seeks to maintain a ceasefire while restoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is a critical global oil transit point. Failure to reach an agreement risks a return to direct military confrontation.
Still unconfirmed
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington could reach a deal by tomorrow.
- Secretary of State Rubio hopes the US can reach a Hormuz deal very shortly.
- An emerging agreement with Oman would use Iranian-controlled entry and Oman-controlled exit routes for the Persian Gulf.
- Iran stated it has no plans for direct talks with the US.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of a signed agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
- Further public military interventions by Saudi Arabia against Iranian proxies.
- Official confirmation from Tehran regarding the status of direct talks with Washington.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.bbc.co.uk — Trump joins Zelensky and Netanyahu at Lindsey Graham's funeral after talks
- apnews.com — US-Iran conflict enters new phase as Saudi Arabia helps hit proxies and diplomacy stalls again
- www.cbsnews.com — Live Updates: Iran denies Trump's claim that U.S.-Iran negotiations to begin today after U.S. strikes called off
- www.theguardian.com — Middle East crisis live: Rubio hopes US can reach Hormuz deal with Iran ‘very shortly’ as officials say progress has been made
- eu.usatoday.com — Status of US-Iran talks uncertain as ship struck in Hormuz
- www.latimes.com — Iran and Oman make progress on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, officials say
- www.theguardian.com — US and Qatar report progress on Iran ceasefire and reopening Hormuz strait
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US and Iran make "significant" progress in talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The US and Iran are working on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining a ceasefire. Donald Trump warned the US will "go back to doing what we were doing" if negotiations stall. A military buildup continues despite signs of de-escalation.
What's confirmed:
- The US and Iran are working on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Donald Trump stated the US will "go back to doing what we were doing" if talks stall.
- The Trump administration continues a military buildup.
- Brent crude fell toward $87 a barrel after losing 8.7% on Monday.
Still unconfirmed:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling to Washington to meet with Trump on Tuesday.
- There have been three days without reported US or Iranian strikes.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- Iran War Live Updates: Trump says U.S. will "go back to doing what we were doing" if new talks stall
- Trump says U.S. will "go back to doing what we were doing" if Iran talks stall
- US-Iran war talks make 'significant' progress after days without major attacks: mediators
- Oil extends decline as Trump's US-Iran talks remark fuels hopes of end to West Asia conflict
- Mediators see progress in efforts to halt Iran war as drone attacks rattle region
- US-Iran conflict: What UAE residents need to know this evening (July 27)
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Mediators report positive progress in indirect US-Iran talks
The United States and Iran are conducting indirect negotiations in Qatar. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan report positive progress, though Washington and Tehran remain far apart on key issues. Donald Trump described the meetings as very good.
What's confirmed:
- Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan report positive progress in indirect talks between the US and Iran.
- Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with mediators in Qatar.
- The US and Iran remain far apart on key issues.
Still unconfirmed:
- The US Navy is searching for a missing aircrew member after a helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- U.S.-Iran Latest: Peace deal efforts inch along, mired by Israel's fight with Hezbollah
- U.S.-Iran Latest: Trump hails "very good meetings" in Qatar as indirect negotiations resume
- After Trading Attacks, U.S. and Iran Edge Back Toward Diplomacy
- Live updates: Indirect US-Iran talks make ‘positive progress’ | CNN
- Mediators report 'positive progress' in indirect US-Iran talks in Doha
- Iran-US war latest: Trump dismisses fears of renewed combat as Qatar ...
- US-Iran talks end without breakthrough as Tehran's nuclear prowess ...
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U.S. and Iran Establish 60-Day Roadmap for Peace Deal
U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Switzerland have agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days. The agreement includes a plan to end military operations in Lebanon. Mediators and officials describe the progress as encouraging.
What's confirmed:
- U.S. and Iran agreed on a 60-day roadmap for a final deal.
- The two nations plan to end military operations in Lebanon.
- Vice President JD Vance led the negotiations in Switzerland.
- Mediators reported encouraging progress during the talks.
Still unconfirmed:
- Iran will stop negotiations if Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon.
- A de-confliction cell will be created to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (36)
- Live Updates: Iran says deal with U.S. requires Israeli forces to leave Lebanon
- Lebanese villagers return to find homes in ruins
- Iran deputy FM says ‘ready to move forward’ in deal with US
- Lebanon Emerges as Weak Link in U.S.-Iran Deal to End War
- Iran war day 113: Tehran presses US over Lebanon ceasefire
- Lebanon: Is US-Iran peace deal a 'victory' for Hezbollah?
- US Vice President JD Vance arrives in Switzerland to launch talks with Iran on its nuclear program
- US-Iran talks in Switzerland to get under way as strait of Hormuz remains closed
- Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance in Switzerland for talks
- As Vance meets top Iranian officials in Switzerland, Trump threatens Tehran from afar
- US-Iran talks go into Day 2 after Trump threats, Hormuz closure
- U.S., Iran agree on roadmap for final deal and plan to end military operations in Lebanon