Pakistan-Qatar Revised Memo; Iran-Oman Discussing Permanent Hormuz Toll
Iran has not yet submitted a response to the latest US proposal as multiple mediators continue to narrow gaps. Pakistan and Qatar have drafted a revised memo to bridge US-Iran gaps; Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are supporting the effort. Iranian media said the proposal has narrowed some gaps “to some extent”, but that further progress depends on whether the United States moves away from military threats. Separately, Iranian Ambassador to France Mohammad Amin Nejad said on 21 May that Iran and Oman are discussing a permanent toll system to formalise Iranian control over maritime traffic through the strait.
Both US and Iranian officials confirmed on 21 May that nuclear weapons and the Strait of Hormuz remain the two binding “sticking points” in the talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday said an Iranian toll system would be “unfeasible” and “completely illegal”; allowing Iran to continue enforcing its protocols would be detrimental to US interests as it would mean Iran could close the strait “anytime it wants”. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said: “President Trump has been clear on US red lines and will only conclude a deal that prioritises the American people.” The deeper-splits framing covers the fate of Iran’s 440.9 kg highly-enriched uranium stockpile (per IAEA estimate at the start of the June 2025 war) and Tehran’s demand for recognition of its right to enrichment.