Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Iran and the United States are intensifying amid growing economic pressure on Tehran and the continuing threat of renewed hostilities. International relations researcher Noman Tawfiq al-Abed stated that negotiations and the return of the parties to the negotiating table remain the key path to ending the standoff.

According to the Egyptian publication El Balad, Qatar and Oman may be involved in attempts to restore the diplomatic track, with Egypt’s assistance. According to the same publication, China is also involved in the mediation efforts, while Pakistan continues to play the role of mediator. However, there is no confirmation in the published materials of the official launch of new negotiations or an agreed-upon venue.

Economic Pressure and Possible Concessions

Al-Abed linked Iran’s interest in returning to negotiations to the deteriorating economic situation. According to him, U.S. sanctions, restrictions against states and organizations cooperating with Tehran, as well as attempts to cut off financial and economic channels, are creating additional difficulties for Iran.

As possible steps that could facilitate the resumption of contacts, the expert mentioned measures related to the Strait of Hormuz and the easing of certain restrictions. He described this approach as a possible gradual or partial return to the negotiation process. Sources did not specify exactly what solutions Tehran might propose or whether they had been discussed officially.

According to al-Abed, the prospects for diplomacy depend not only on Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue but also on the position of U.S. President Donald Trump. The expert identified the U.S. administration’s refusal to return to a format similar to the nuclear agreement concluded under President Barack Obama as the main obstacle. Therefore, a new agreement—if negotiations take place—may require a different structure.

The Energy Factor in U.S.-China Relations

Sputnik Iran views the standoff over Iran within a broader geopolitical context. According to the publication, the Middle East’s energy resources remain a key factor in the rivalry between the U.S. and China, and Iranian oil is one of the few major energy resources in the region that, as the publication claims, is not under Washington’s control.

The publication links U.S. policy toward Iran to attempts to strengthen the U.S. position in its relations with China and to exert pressure on other states. However, these claims are presented as an analytical assessment by the author of Sputnik Iran and have not been confirmed in the El Balad article.

The article also claims that Washington hoped to use the situation surrounding Iran to strengthen its negotiating position in relations with Beijing and Moscow. However, specific details about such plans, as well as the publication’s assessments of the actions of U.S. officials and military structures, are not independently corroborated in the materials presented.

Negotiations as an Alternative to Further Escalation

Thus, the diplomatic track remains a possible channel for reducing tensions, but its launch faces differing approaches to a future agreement. According to the expert, Iran is interested in easing sanctions pressure and may be considering phased measures to return to dialogue. The U.S., for its part, shows no willingness to accept a model similar to the previous nuclear deal.

In the absence of agreements, the mediation initiatives by Qatar, Oman, Egypt, China, and Pakistan may remain preliminary. The sources cited do not report any agreements reached, official timelines for negotiations, or specific commitments by the parties.