What are the main sticking points preventing a US-Iran peace deal, according to the news?

The main sticking points include Iran’s demand to release $12 billion of its $24 billion in frozen assets upon signing an agreement; Tehran’s reluctance to allow free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, preferring instead to charge navigation fees; and the US demand that Iran hand over or destroy its stocks of high-grade nuclear material — a point cut off mid-sentence but clearly framed as a core US condition.

How are regional Arab states responding to the US-Iran negotiations and why?

Arab states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are urging Trump to continue diplomacy because they fear a return to hostilities would prompt Iran to launch drones and missiles against them — as it did before the April ceasefire — causing tens of billions of dollars in damage and killing scores of people.

US Touts Iran Deal Prospects Amid Fresh Tensions in Hormuz

May 26, 2026

Amid renewed US-Iran hostilities over the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump seeks a peace deal while Brent crude surged to $100 per barrel, signaling significant global energy market volatility.

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