Diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are advancing as officials prepare for a potential agreement this week amid ongoing regional conflicts. Pakistani intermediaries, who have played a central role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, are organizing separate meetings with both sides in Qatar. The talks come after months of stalled direct negotiations.

The proposed memorandum of understanding seeks to gradually lift the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, a measure initially designed to reopen the critical shipping lane in phases. However, the agreement’s details experienced last-minute revisions following Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets near Beirut on Sunday. According to an Iranian official, the negotiations continued into the afternoon as Tehran insisted on incorporating its final demands.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the United States’ commitments—including ending hostilities, lifting the siege, and releasing frozen assets—must be confirmed before entering the next stage of talks, which is expected to span 60 days. He also noted that the finalized text of the memorandum would remain confidential until it is officially signed.

The unfolding situation has generated tensions within the U.S.-Israel relationship. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the timing of the strikes. In a call reported on Sunday, Trump questioned Netanyahu’s judgment, criticizing the Israeli leader’s actions as potentially jeopardizing the diplomatic breakthrough.

Hostilities in the region escalated earlier this year when the U.S. and Israel commenced strikes targeting Iranian interests starting in late February. These operations continued for several weeks until a cease-fire was established in early April, preceding the preliminary diplomatic talks in Islamabad. Throughout the conflict, Iran disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil shipments, by attacking vessels transiting the area. This contributed to a sharp increase in oil prices and heightened global energy concerns.

In response to these disruptions, Trump implemented a comprehensive naval blockade of Iranian ports in mid-April while maintaining that diplomatic solutions remained paramount. At the same time, he issued warnings that further attacks causing American casualties could reignite broader military engagements. The president emphasized that U.S. pressure would continue until Tehran not only accepted the framework memorandum but also agreed to a broader peace arrangement anticipated by the conclusion of the upcoming negotiation period.

The G7 summit in Evian-les-Baines, France, beginning Monday, adds another backdrop to these developments, though Trump’s attendance at the planned signing ceremony later in the week remains uncertain. The evolving situation marks a critical juncture as stakeholders strive to ease one of the most volatile flashpoints in the Middle East.