Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Iran Keeps Diplomacy Open as US Pressure Intensifies
Iran is telling other countries not to obey threats from the United States.
Iran’s foreign minister also said that new talks with the United States could still happen.
He said the United States would need to build trust and keep its promises.
The United States is increasing economic pressure on Iran and threatening countries that do business with it.
Several countries, including Pakistan, Oman and Qatar, have visited Iran to help restart discussions.
They are also discussing how ships might safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says the waterway could reopen if certain conditions are met, but it has not explained all of them.
Some oil is moving through the strait again, although flows remain below prewar levels.
Oil and liquefied natural gas exports remain affected by the continuing uncertainty.
Iran urged countries not to yield to US economic pressure.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said renewed US-Iran diplomacy is still possible.
Iran said progress depends on Washington recognizing that pressure does not work.
Pakistan, Oman and Qatar held diplomatic discussions in Tehran about talks and the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil flows through the Strait have recovered to roughly half prewar levels, while uncertainty continues.
- Who
- Iran, the United States, and mediators including Pakistan, Oman and Qatar.
- What
- Iran is resisting US pressure while leaving open the possibility of renewed diplomacy and discussing the Strait of Hormuz.
- When
- The comments were made on Friday, following diplomatic visits and discussions during the week.
- Where
- The diplomatic activity centered on Tehran and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- Iran wants pressure reduced and commitments upheld, while the mediators are seeking conditions for renewed talks and safer shipping.
Iran and Mediators
United States
Economic pressure and diplomacy
Iran and Mediators
Iran says pressure will not produce progress and calls on the United States to build trust and honor its commitments; Qatar is working to create conditions for renewed talks.
United States
The United States is intensifying economic pressure, threatening penalties against countries doing business with Iran, and showing no interest in simply returning to the lapsed interim peace deal.
Conditions for reopening the Strait
Iran and Mediators
Iranian officials say the Strait of Hormuz could reopen if the United States meets unspecified conditions, while Iran and Oman reportedly reached a revenue-sharing arrangement for transit.
United States
The United States has not agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports merely to restart talks, leaving a key Iranian demand unresolved.
Status of shipping
Iran and Mediators
Iranian officials say a transit agreement would not mean the waterway immediately reopens, although crude flows have increased as threats to shipping have declined.
United States
The continuing disruption and uncertainty have kept oil and liquefied natural gas supplies below or below normal levels, according to the article’s estimates.
- Iranian position
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said pressure does not work and that renewed diplomacy is not impossible.
- US pressure
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a campaign to further restrict Iran’s economy and threatened penalties for countries doing business with Iran.
- Key demand
- President Donald Trump has signaled he will not lift the blockade of Iranian ports merely to restart talks.
- Mediation
- Pakistan, Oman and Qatar sent officials to Tehran to discuss diplomacy and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Strait traffic
- An estimated 6 million to 8 million barrels of crude per day are moving through the Strait, about half prewar levels.
- Oil prices
- Brent crude traded at about $89 per barrel on Friday and had risen about 45% this year.
- Energy uncertainty
- Qatar extended force majeure on liquefied natural gas supplies to European and Asian buyers by another month.