In a significant escalation of hostilities, the US and Iran exchanged attacks this week, casting doubt on the future of peace negotiations. On July 10, 2026, a US official confirmed to Al Jazeera that despite the military actions, Washington remains committed to ongoing discussions with Tehran. The attacks follow a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, which aimed to establish a 60-day ceasefire and pave the way for a lasting peace deal.
Recent Escalation of US-Iran Conflict
From Tuesday night to Thursday, the US launched strikes on 85 targets in Iran in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran retaliated, targeting US military assets in Gulf states, prompting further US strikes on 90 Iranian targets. This cycle of violence has significantly undermined the recently established ceasefire.
During a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkiye, US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the viability of the MoU, stating, "I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them any more; they’re scum." However, he later indicated that peace talks could continue, claiming, "Tehran wants to make a deal."
Current Status of Peace Talks
The MoU, intended to facilitate a ceasefire, included provisions for the free passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil. However, ongoing military actions have complicated the negotiations. Talks were initially set to resume after the state funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was buried on July 11, but the recent US strikes have raised questions about the future of these discussions.
