politics
U.S. and Iran advance talks on ending three-month conflict
Officials said a potential agreement could open the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities. The development follows recent threats of escalated strikes and direct attacks between the parties.
nbcnews.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
U.S. officials announced Thursday that the United States and Iran could reach an agreement this weekend to end a three-month conflict. The proposed deal would open the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of global oil supply previously passed, and block Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Recent military developments Back-and-forth strikes this week undermined an early-April ceasefire. Iran attacked Israel directly last weekend after Israeli forces struck Iranian-backed militants in Lebanon. U.S. officials had threatened more intense bombardment and seizure of Iran’s Kharg Island oil facility before canceling orders for those strikes.
Diplomatic efforts and statements Mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar continued talks with Iranian officials. A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told state television that mediators were active but nothing had been finalized. U.S. officials said the agreement remains conceptual.
They added that the Iranian supreme leader is expected to approve the terms. The conflict has kept oil prices above $90 per barrel. A Group of Seven summit next week in France is expected to address the war and related economic effects.
