Overview
- Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir flew to Tehran and met senior Iranian officials on May 22, and Pakistan, Iran and the United States reported some progress toward a memorandum of understanding.
- Negotiators remain deadlocked on Iran’s near‑weapons‑grade uranium, U.S. demands for sanctions relief, and Tehran’s claims over control or fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. officials say talks have moved forward but have kept military options on the table, and U.S. media have reported that the White House is considering strikes if negotiations fail without confirming a final decision.
- Pakistan has stepped up coordination with China, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing to press China’s backing for the mediation and to seek support for a negotiated outcome.
- The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy supplies and raised urgent economic and security stakes, so a failed deal risks renewed attacks and wider market and humanitarian strains.