Regional Mediators Work to Revive U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations

Qatar, Pakistan, and other regional mediators are attempting to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Iran and revive negotiations on a nuclear deal, according to sources from the mediating countries and a U.S. official. President Trump announced on July 8, 2026, that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the ceasefire were "over" and ordered two rounds of airstrikes, while also focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and avoiding an all-out war with Iran. The mediators believe that despite recent escalations, progress was made toward a nuclear deal in earlier talks and aim to prevent the MOU from collapsing. A source indicated that recent Iranian attacks in Hormuz were initiated by elements within the Iranian regime opposed to the MOU. Qatari, Pakistani, Turkish, Egyptian, and Saudi officials have conducted multiple phone calls with U.S. and Iranian officials to calm the situation. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that U.S. attacks and rhetoric were violations of the MOU. After two days of exchanges of fire, the situation calmed on July 9, with U.S. officials reporting no new strikes. President Trump met with his national security team to discuss the tensions, affirming the administration's commitment to finding a resolution and continuing technical-level talks for a nuclear deal.