US-Iran Talks Hit Stalemate on Uranium and Strait of Hormuz; Regional Powers Converge in Tehran on May 23

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry on May 23, US-Iran negotiations have stalled due to "profound and extensive" disagreements on uranium and the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's army chief, Qatar's envoy, and other regional officials are gathering in Tehran to broker a deal. Pakistan sources said both sides are raising demands on these two issues, blocking progress. Iran's state media TASNIM cited a source stating no agreement will be reached until consensus is found on all disputed matters.

Meanwhile, 35 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, while the US Central Command said 97 ships have been rerouted since the blockade began. US Secretary of State Rubio indicated negotiations have made some headway but cautioned against overstating progress. Separately, informed sources said the US is preparing a new round of military strikes against Iran, though no final decision has been made.