Mediators race against time to break the impasse in US-Iranian negotiations before the truce expires

The US news website Axios confirmed that mediators from Pakistan and Qatar continue to shuttle messages between Washington and Tehran, but without making tangible progress, just before the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire truce between the two sides, which is nearing its end. Axios quoted well-informed regional sources as saying that the Pakistani mediator is offering assessments more optimistic than reality “to create a sense of momentum that could help break the deadlock.”

For its part, The New York Times quoted US officials as saying that “the White House is well aware that it will exceed the ceasefire deadline without achieving the objectives of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.” These US officials added that “the White House also recognizes that the conflict with Iran has largely become an economic war.”

This comes as US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper concluded a 10-day tour of the Middle East, which included visits to six countries and a stop at the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln stationed in the region, as the United States tightens its naval blockade imposed on Iran.

CENTCOM said in a statement via its official X account yesterday that Cooper met during his tour, which concluded on August 15, with senior civilian and military officials in several countries, as well as with US forces deployed in the region, where more than 50,000 American soldiers operate across the Middle East.

Cooper also met sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, marking his second visit to the carrier this year. Addressing the entire crew, Cooper praised their dedication and courage, stating, “The Lincoln Strike Group is a strong team of outstanding Americans who stand tall with great and well-deserved pride for everything they have accomplished.”

According to CENTCOM, the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group has conducted thousands of combat air sorties in support of Operation Epic Fury, alongside carrying out missions related to regional security and maintaining the ongoing US naval blockade on Iran.