Iran seeks interim US deal

Iran is actively pursuing a limited interim agreement with the United States to alleviate significant economic pressure and stabilize its domestic situation, while strategically avoiding major concessions on its nuclear program. This diplomatic push follows weeks of escalation, including US-Israeli strikes and Iranian attacks across the Gulf, which heightened concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies. Both nations have lowered expectations for a comprehensive settlement, instead focusing on a temporary memorandum to prevent a return to open conflict and defer core disputes. Iran seeks an end to hostilities, access to oil revenues, waivers on crude exports, and a lifting of the US port blockade, leveraging its control over the Strait of Hormuz. The United States, under pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb fuel prices, is exploring this interim deal. Analysts like Alex Vatanka and Hamidreza Azizi suggest Iran's motivation is primarily economic, aiming to buy time, unlock financial relief, and stave off domestic unrest, which saw thousands killed during protests in January.