United States-Iran Negotiation Talks Advance Amid Strait of Hormuz Disputes
There were early signs of movement in United States‑Iran negotiations on May 22 and 23, 2026, as both sides explored the outline of a possible memorandum of understanding. The talks continued to circle two major issues: Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani intermediaries and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both pointed to uranium enrichment as the most difficult problem to resolve.
Iran began shaping its public narrative at the same time, presenting its actions in the Strait of Hormuz as routine maritime security measures rather than moves that add strain to talks. Its proposal placed sanctions relief and the end of the naval blockade at the front of the process, while pushing nuclear discussions to a later stage. Iran also insisted that its legal regime for managing the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place.
Emerging Framework of the United States‑Iran Memorandum of Understanding
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reviewed conflicting international reporting and found that the terms of a potential memorandum of understanding were still shifting. Messaging on May 24, 2026, showed that earlier suggestions of a near‑final deal were premature, as President Donald Trump said negotiations were still underway. The administration continued to stress that any agreement must prevent Iran from gaining a path to a nuclear weapon.
Despite the public back‑and‑forth, the framework appeared to be advancing through a mediated sequence described by Pakistani military officials. ISW noted that these intermediaries outlined a three‑stage structure that begins with ending the regional war and establishing predictable transit rules for the Strait of Hormuz. This sequencing remained the backbone of the discussions even as disagreements surfaced.
Internal approval processes in both capitals continued to slow the pace of progress. A senior United States official said on May 24, 2026, that the White House did not expect an immediate breakthrough. ISW cited Axion reporting that Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, needed additional time to review the draft.
Disagreements Over Sanctions, Assets, and Nuclear Commitments
Iranian officials continued to frame their participation as dependent on broad American economic concessions. ISW’s May 24, 2026, update noted that the Supreme National Security Council must review the draft before it can move forward. Iran has repeatedly said that sanctions relief and the end of the naval blockade must occur at the start of the process.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) maintained a hard public line against any agreement that delays financial benefits. IRGC‑affiliated Fars News reported on May 24, 2026, that several provisions remained unresolved because of what it described as American obstruction. ISW highlighted that Iran would not accept the memorandum of understanding unless frozen assets were released during the first phase.
Iran’s nuclear program remained another unresolved issue. Early discussions focused on the fate of the highly enriched uranium stockpile, but ISW’s updated reporting indicated that the technical details were being pushed into future nuclear talks. ISW cited Saudi outlet Al Arabiya, which reported on May 25, 2026, that Iran had signaled a possible willingness to transfer its uranium stockpile to China under certain conditions.
Maritime Transit Regimes in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran used the negotiations to reinforce its claim to long‑term authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Military advisers to the Supreme Leader said on May 24, 2026, that all vessels must now register before transiting the waterway. ISW cited PressTV reporting that Iranian officials warned they could withdraw from the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty if the United States attacked the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC Navy continued enforcing this permission‑based system across the Persian Gulf. Tasnim News reported on May 24 that 33 ships, including tankers and container vessels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving Iranian clearance. ISW noted Tasnim’s reporting that Iran intends to restore traffic to pre‑war levels within 30 days of the blockade being lifted.
United States officials rejected any form of transit fee or toll system on May 21, 2026, saying the Strait of Hormuz remains an international waterway.
Geopolitical Maneuvers and Regional Alliances
Senior Iranian commanders said on May 24, 2026, that their strategy for managing the Strait of Hormuz was part of a broader effort to shape a new regional order. An Iranian delegation traveled to Doha on May 25 to meet Qatari officials, a visit ISW said was reported by Reuters, NourNews, and Defa Press. The group included Iran’s foreign minister and central bank governor, who discussed financial coordination related to the memorandum of understanding.
The United States pursued its own regional strategy in parallel. President Trump urged leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other states to join the Abraham Accords on May 25. ISW noted that Trump said on Truth Social that refusing to join the accords signaled bad intentions.
The Ceasefire Dispute and Operations in Lebanon
ISW’s review of diplomatic correspondence from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Al‑Manar showed that Iran linked progress on the memorandum of understanding to a full ceasefire across all fronts. Iran insisted that any agreement must include a complete halt to fighting in Lebanon. Hezbollah leaders echoed this position and rejected partial arrangements.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Donald Trump that Israel would maintain its freedom of action against threats in the region. ISW cited Associated Press reporting that Israeli negotiators want the memorandum of understanding to include language preserving Israel’s military options. This remains one of the central disputes between the two sides.
