The United States and Iran remain in a stalemate following a ceasefire extension last month. Both nations maintain naval blockades around the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to exert economic pressure for leverage in peace talks.
Stalled Negotiations
Peace negotiations have stalled since mid-April, with Iran demanding the US lift its blockade and the US insisting Iran cease blockading international shipping. Iran has recently requested to separate the contentious issue of its nuclear programme from discussions to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's Military Briefing
Donald Trump reportedly received a high-level briefing on new military options against Iran from Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine on Thursday. The options reportedly include a 'final blow' strike as Trump pushes Tehran to make a deal. Trump has stated that the US has 'already won' the war in Iran but he wants to win by a 'bigger margin'.
