U.S.-Iran nuclear talks deadlocked as mediators fail to bridge June agreement gap

Diplomatic efforts to restart U.S.-Iran negotiations have stalled, with the United States refusing to return to a June Memorandum of Understanding while Iran demands adherence to its terms, according to Arirang News reporting on mediation attempts by Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar. Neither side has signaled willingness to compromise on the agreement's framework. Separately, the U.S. military has cleared Iranian sea mines from shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit. The impasse directly affects international energy markets and regional stability, as the Strait handles roughly one-third of seaborne traded oil.