US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, May 22, that negotiations between Washington and Tehran had shown “slight progress” as both sides continue exchanging messages and draft proposals through Pakistan-led mediation efforts.
Addressing reporters during a press briefing, Rubio said there had been some movement in the discussions but stressed that no major breakthrough had yet been achieved.
“There’s been some slight progress,” Rubio said. “I don’t want to exaggerate it.”
He added that the United States remained firm on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Strait of Hormuz tensions could have global impact, says UAE adviser
Any Iranian attempt to change the status of the Strait of Hormuz would have serious global consequences and set a dangerous precedent, according to Anwar Gargash, a senior Emirati diplomat and former minister of state for foreign affairs.
In comments carried by Reuters, Gargash said European countries should view developments involving the strategic waterway as directly linked to their own energy and trade security rather than as a distant regional issue.
He also said the United States had become “more central” to Gulf countries’ strategic calculations following the recent Iran conflict.
Gargash added that there was only a “50-50” chance of Washington and Tehran reaching an agreement that would ensure stability in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE adviser further said Iranian officials had missed opportunities in the past by overestimating their negotiating leverage.
“I hope they don’t do that this time,” Gargash said.
IRGC says 35 vessels crossed Strait of Hormuz in one day
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said 35 vessels, including oil tankers and cargo container ships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours.
In a statement, the IRGC said the maritime movements were carried out under its supervision and in coordination with its naval forces operating in the strategic waterway.
Enriched uranium remains central issue
Rubio said Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium continued to be one of the most sensitive issues in the negotiations.
“The fundamentals remain the same: Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” he said, indicating that Washington still considers Tehran’s uranium programme a major concern.
Diplomatic exchanges between the two sides have continued through Pakistani mediation as regional tensions remain high.
Iran may launch surprise attack on Gulf states, Israel
Iran could be planning an unexpected missile and drone offensive targeting Gulf countries and Israel as negotiations with the United States continue, according to othe Jerusalem Post on Friday, May 22.
The warnings reportedly emerged during security consultations involving senior Israeli military officials and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Intelligence assessments suggested Tehran may attempt military action before Washington and Tel Aviv determine that diplomatic efforts have collapsed.
Iran’s internet blackout enters 84th day
Iran’s nationwide internet disruption has entered its 84th consecutive day, with international connectivity remaining heavily restricted for more than 1,992 hours, according to internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks.
The monitoring group said the prolonged shutdown was worsening social and economic inequalities across the country, warning that access to the outside world had become increasingly dependent on “status, compliance and privilege”.
Tehran accused of delaying nuclear negotiations
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that Iran is seeking to prolong talks with the US rather than move quickly towards an agreement.
Officials quoted in the report said Tehran appears focused on buying time, although limited signs of compromise have reportedly been observed on non-core issues.
The report also indicated that Israeli officials believe US President Donald Trump still prefers to pursue diplomacy before considering further military escalation.
Netanyahu reiterates conditions for any agreement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to insist that any future deal must curb Iran’s nuclear activities, reduce its ballistic missile capabilities and limit support for allied armed groups across the region.
Iran fears renewed US and Israeli strikes
Iranian leaders, however, reportedly fear that sending enriched uranium outside the country would weaken Tehran’s position if future attacks are launched by Israel or the United States.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said recent developments and “hidden moves by the enemy” pointed to the possibility of renewed American military action.
Strait of Hormuz tensions raise economic concerns
The regional standoff has also intensified fears over global trade and energy security.
Bloomberg, citing market analysts, reported that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could trigger heavy losses in European financial markets and place additional pressure on the continent’s economy.
Experts warned investors of growing risks linked to the conflict and predicted a difficult financial reporting season in the months ahead.
Israeli attacks continue in southern Lebanon
Fresh Israeli strikes were also reported in southern Lebanon amid continuing regional tensions.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said an Israeli air strike hit the al-Hafour area between Sadiqin and Qana, injuring three people.
Another reported drone strike targeted Deir Qanoun an-Naher in the Tyre district.
A separate video circulated online by the Israel Genocide Tracker allegedly showed Israeli soldiers attending a ceremony celebrating the demolition of villages in southern Lebanon. The footage has not been independently verified.
Pakistan continues mediation efforts in Tehran
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iranian news agencies Tasnim and ISNA reported that Naqvi also met President Masoud Pezeshkian and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni during his visit.
He is expected to remain in Tehran for further consultations.
Iran and Oman discuss shipping fees
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman reportedly discussed cooperation on a proposed fee system for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal drew criticism from President Trump, who opposed any charges being imposed on vessels using the strategic waterway.
“We want it free,” Trump said. “It’s an international waterway.”
