After 13 consecutive days of military attacks, major strikes between the United States and Iran have been paused for the past three nights. Washington and Tehran have returned to diplomatic talks, with both sides seeking to move beyond a memorandum of understanding toward a comprehensive and permanent peace agreement. The report says taking the first step toward a final deal has emerged as the biggest challenge.

Washington wants the strategically important Strait of Hormuz opened quickly and fully for commercial traffic. Tehran views the issue as one of its strongest bargaining tools at the negotiating table. US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would return to severe military operations if diplomacy fails and no agreement is reached, creating uncertainty and pressure around the talks.

The memorandum of understanding was intended to create a 60-day mediation period, which could be extended if necessary, for drafting a final agreement through negotiations. However, the clock for that period has not yet begun. Analysts say more discussion and time will be needed to establish long-term and lasting peace between the United States and Iran.