Iran condemns US strikes as 'gross violation' of ceasefire

Iran has condemned US air strikes in southern Iran as a "gross violation" of a ceasefire, occurring while Iranian and Qatari negotiators were in Doha for peace talks. The US Central Command stated these were "self-defence strikes" targeting Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines in the Hormozgan region. Iran holds the US responsible for the consequences of these actions and vowed retaliation. Despite the strikes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a deal from the talks remains possible, though it may take several days, with a key sticking point reportedly being Iran's request for the release of frozen funds.

The US conducted strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying vessels, which US Central Command described as defensive actions to test a seven-week ceasefire. These strikes occurred as Iranian negotiators traveled to Qatar for talks, reportedly focusing on the release of frozen assets and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While the US stressed the ceasefire was not over, Iran reported four Guard troops killed in the strikes. The negotiations aim for Iran to restore commercial shipping through the strait, with nuclear program discussions to follow. President Trump indicated a potential concession on Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, but warned of further attacks if a deal isn't reached.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a potential deal to end the war on Iran could take several days to finalize. This comes after US forces claimed to have struck Iranian missile sites and boats laying mines in southern Iran on Monday. These actions occurred while an Iranian delegation was in Qatar for talks aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire. Rubio emphasized that the straits must remain open, calling the current situation unlawful and unsustainable. CENTCOM spokesman Tim Hawkins confirmed the self-defense strikes were conducted to protect US troops from Iranian threats. Iran's state broadcaster reported explosions near Bandar Abbas.

A proposed ceasefire deal between the US and Iran, largely negotiated according to Donald Trump, could involve a 60-day truce. Key elements include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Iran to freely sell oil, and resuming talks on limiting Iran's nuclear program. Iran would clear mines and not impose tolls in the strait, while the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports. The deal might also unfreeze some Iranian assets and halt hostilities on all fronts. However, Iran has reportedly not agreed to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile, and its ballistic missile program and regional support are not mentioned as part of the preliminary agreement.

US President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran, aimed at ending months of war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is largely negotiated. The proposed memorandum of understanding involves multiple regional countries and would formally end the US-Israel war on Iran. While Trump expressed optimism, Iranian officials confirmed ongoing negotiations but highlighted significant disagreements, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and regional conflicts. Iran's priority is ending the war and halting US attacks. The draft agreement reportedly includes Iran's commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons and potentially surrendering enriched uranium, with details to be negotiated later.

Regional officials report that the United States is nearing a deal with Iran that would end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and see Iran relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that "significant progress" has been made in negotiations, though Iran has not publicly committed to giving up its uranium. The potential deal aims to address the global energy crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following a U.S. and Israeli bombardment in February. Details regarding the timeline and specifics of Iran's uranium handover are still being discussed, with possibilities including dilution or transfer to a third country. The agreement also reportedly includes an end to the war between Israel and Hezbollah and a commitment to non-interference in regional affairs.

Iran hosted a Pakistani delegation, including Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, in Tehran on Saturday amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed US strikes. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Iran would not compromise on its "legitimate rights" and warned of a more severe response if the US resumes hostilities. The US was reportedly considering fresh strikes, while Iran indicated it was in the "final stage" of drafting a deal framework. Pakistan has been mediating talks, focusing on a 14-point peace proposal and messages between the parties. Mediators believe they are close to extending a 60-day ceasefire and establishing a framework for talks on Iran's nuclear program.

Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing the US flag superimposed over a map of Iran, with the caption "United States of the Middle East?". This occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026, amidst ongoing "delicate diplomacy" and indications of progress in talks between the US and Iran regarding a ceasefire. Experts noted the post's potential to disrupt negotiations, contrasting with previous statements from the Trump administration about not seeking occupation or outright regime change in Iran. Simultaneously, US and Iranian officials suggested a new deal was nearing finalization, with both sides indicating converging opinions on a memorandum of understanding. The article also mentions Trump's previous threats and subsequent pauses in fighting, as well as his broader foreign policy efforts to increase US influence abroad.

Pakistani mediators are working to broker a permanent ceasefire between the US and Iran, though significant disagreements persist. Key sticking points include future control of the Strait of Hormuz and a US demand for Iran to export its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Iran prioritizes ending hostilities and lifting sanctions, proposing its own authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a plan opposed by five Gulf states. Meanwhile, Israel and Iran fear surprise attacks, and the US president maintains military action remains an option. Iran denies media speculation about nuclear issues, stating negotiations focus on ending the war and lifting sanctions.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated," potentially ending a war initiated by the US and Israel in February. The agreement, described as a Memorandum of Understanding, is subject to finalization and will include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows calls Trump made with Pakistani mediators, Gulf allies, and Israel. A Pakistani source indicated that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the US aimed at ending the war and reopening the strait. Regional officials suggest the potential deal involves a formal declaration of war's end, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Trump indicated that final aspects and details are still being discussed and will be announced shortly.

Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, is in Tehran for mediation efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war between Israel and the United States, which began on February 28. This marks Munir's second trip to Iran for such purposes, following previous Pakistani mediation that secured a temporary ceasefire and hosted high-level US-Iran talks. During his current visit, Munir is expected to discuss Iran-US negotiations, regional peace, and other significant issues. Iranian officials acknowledge deep gaps between Tehran and Washington, stating that while the focus is on ending the war, an agreement is not necessarily close. The European Union is also considering sanctions against Iran over the Hormuz blockade.

Officials report that Iran and the United States are nearing a deal to end the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Pakistan leading mediation efforts. Significant progress has been made in talks, though last-minute disputes remain a possibility. The potential agreement includes an official declaration of the war's end, followed by two months of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Key provisions also involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress, while Iran described the draft as a "framework agreement" for further discussions. Both nations have emphasized their core positions and warned against resuming hostilities.

Iran has announced an expansion of its claimed military control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a map asserting "armed forces oversight" across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway. This expanded claim extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE. Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" stated that all transit through the strait requires its coordination and authorization. The UAE has rejected these claims, calling them "fragments of dreams" and asserting its maritime sovereignty. The US and Gulf allies have consistently opposed Iran's attempts to control the strait, with the US advising ships not to comply with Iran's regulations. Iran has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees safe passage.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States via Pakistan, aiming for a permanent end to the ongoing war. This plan is reportedly a response to a prior nine-point US proposal that focused on a two-month ceasefire. Iran's latest offer emphasizes resolving all issues within 30 days, seeking guarantees for a lasting peace. President Trump is currently reviewing the proposal but has expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal, citing mistrust between the two nations. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, has involved a naval war in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran imposing a de facto blockade and the US maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite a ceasefire initiated on April 8. Key US demands include Iran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing its nuclear capabilities.

On day 65 of the conflict, Iran has presented the US with a 14-point proposal aimed at ending the war. The plan calls for nonaggression guarantees, sanctions relief, the lifting of a naval blockade, and an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. President Trump stated he will review the proposal but expressed skepticism about a deal, citing escalated rhetoric. Despite this diplomatic overture, both sides have indicated readiness for renewed conflict, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on standby. Iran's proposal seeks to resolve all issues within 30 days, differing from the US request for a two-month ceasefire. Meanwhile, an Iranian supertanker reportedly evaded the US blockade carrying millions of dollars worth of oil.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is reviewing a new proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing war. Trump stated he would provide further details later, indicating he was awaiting the exact wording of the Iranian offer. According to semi-official Iranian news outlets Tasnim and Fars, Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal through Pakistan. This Iranian response is reportedly in reaction to a nine-point proposal previously put forth by the United States. Pakistan has previously facilitated negotiations between the two nations.

President Trump stated he will review a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, but expressed skepticism. He believes Iran has not yet "paid a big enough price" for its actions. This proposal reportedly includes US troop withdrawal from surrounding areas, lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen assets, compensation, and ending the war on all fronts. Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated the decision for diplomacy or confrontation rests with the US. Washington insists on a deal preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The US has also warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.