Strait of hormuz

According to a WSJ report, Pezeshkian’s priority is revitalizing the Iranian economy, while the IRGC is more focused on keeping control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Though a ceasefire and an MoU exist, Qatar's Foreign Ministry concluded that guarantees are contingent on the realities on the ground, and US VP JD Vance called for durable commitments from Iran.

"Iranian officials have made it clear in discussions with multiple parties that it is unreasonable for ships to pass through without seeking their authorization," a Western diplomat told the Post.

The longer negotiations continue without meaningful Iranian concessions, the greater the risk that diplomacy becomes the objective rather than the means. 

The resumption of the negotiations comes after last week's talks in Switzerland between senior officials on both sides, in what mediators described as a "positive and constructive atmosphere."

Netanyahu said ‘voluntary migration’ from Gaza still on table, avoided ruling out settlements • Iran’s top negotiator says Iran ready for war • Netanyahu says IDF will remain in security zone

Mediators have established communications channels to de-escalate any incidents, and technical talks are set to continue, the source, with knowledge of the discussions, added.

IDF kills PIJ terrorist who took hostages on Oct. 7 • US-Iran talks reportedly move to Qatar • Senior Lebanese official slams US-brokered deal with Israel

Since the beginning of 2026 alone, at least 45 political prisoners and individuals on security-related charges were executed, according to the Center for Human Rights in Iran.

Included in the targets were Iranian surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and mine-laying capabilities.