The US has launched strikes on southern Iran, testing a seven-week-long ceasefire, even as negotiators from Tehran began new talks in Qatar. US central command (Centcom) confirmed on Tuesday that its forces targeted missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines, but emphasized that these actions did not signify the end of the ceasefire with Iran. Navy captain Tim Hawkins, speaking for Centcom, characterized the strikes as "defensive" and reiterated that the US continues to defend its forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire. This development occurred amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israel simultaneously escalating strikes in Lebanon, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "crush" Hezbollah.

In Iran, reports emerged of casualties following the American strikes. The news website Tabnak, reportedly close to former Revolutionary Guard chief Mohsen Rezaei, identified four deceased Guard troops who were allegedly killed in the attacks on boats. Concurrently, Iranian state television reported blasts near Bandar Abbas, a crucial city on the Strait of Hormuz, known for its military port and a dual-use airport. Despite these incidents, the Iranian state news agency Mehr later assured that the situation was "completely under control," advising residents against worry. These strikes marked the second significant attacks to occur during the seven-week truce, underscoring the delicate nature of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The timing of these military actions coincided with a high-level Iranian delegation, led by the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arriving in Qatar for new rounds of negotiations. Local media noted the presence of Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and central bank governor, Abdolnaser Hemmati, among the delegates. Hemmati’s inclusion sparked speculation that a primary focus of these talks would be the release of frozen Iranian assets. Reports indicate that the deal currently under negotiation with the US would involve Washington agreeing to unfreeze certain Iranian assets held in banks outside Iran, including those in Qatar.

The proposed memorandum of understanding primarily aims for Iran to restore commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Significantly, these initial negotiations would reportedly not encompass any discussions concerning nuclear issues. Talks pertaining to Iran’s nuclear program are slated to commence within a subsequent 30- to 60-day period following the potential agreement. This approach has drawn criticism for US President Trump from loyalists within his party, who argue that making billions of dollars in frozen assets available to Tehran too closely resembles the nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration in 2015, from which Trump had previously withdrawn.

President Trump has consistently stated that his paramount objective in the conflict is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, particularly given its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. He has faced increasing pressure to ensure that any initial deal includes a commitment from Iran to dispose of this stockpile. In a notable concession on Monday, Trump indicated in a social media post that the enriched uranium held by Iran could be "destroyed" within the country, under the supervision of an international nuclear agency. This announcement represents a potential major compromise from the US president, as the fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile has been a significant point of contention in previous negotiation rounds. Iran had previously agreed only to dilute the purity of its enriched uranium, refusing to permit its transfer to either the US or Russia. Experts viewed Trump's statement as a pivotal move as diplomatic activity appeared to slow following a weekend flurry.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows, has become an urgent priority for the Trump administration. With midterm elections approaching in the US, the administration is contending with voter anger over rising costs, making stable oil supplies crucial. On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that despite the latest US strikes on Iran, a deal remains possible. He declared that the Strait of Hormuz would open "one way or another," and acknowledged ongoing discussions in Qatar regarding specific language for the initial document, expressing hope for progress. Iran, for its part, has asserted that the future management of the Strait will be an agreement between Oman and Iran, potentially including "fees for navigational services."

A significant condition set by Iran for the memorandum of understanding to open the Strait of Hormuz is the inclusion of a ceasefire in Lebanon. This demand comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday, vowed to intensify strikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. While Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire in mid-April, Israel has continued airstrikes, framing them as acts of self-defence against Hezbollah, which was not a party to the initial truce. Meanwhile, President Trump, in a lengthy post on Truth Social, described the talks with Iran as going "nicely," but issued a clear warning of fresh attacks should negotiations fail. He concluded his statement by asserting that it "will only be a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all," underscoring the high stakes involved in these complex diplomatic and military engagements.