Regional mediators are rushing to prevent the collapse of a U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement after President Trump declared the existing memorandum of understanding “over” and ordered two rounds of airstrikes, sources from mediating countries and a U.S. official told Axios. Trump's focus remains on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and he still aims to avoid all-out war with Iran.
The mediating nations believe significant progress was made in earlier talks and want to salvage the MOU, according to the sources. A regional source suggested the recent Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz were initiated by elements within Iran's regime that oppose the deal and seek to undermine it.
On Wednesday, Qatari, Pakistani, Turkish, Egyptian, and Saudi officials held multiple phone calls with both U.S. and Iranian officials to calm rising tensions. The mediators' rapid response underscores the fragility of the nuclear negotiations.
If the MOU collapses entirely, the risk of a broader military confrontation in the Persian Gulf increases sharply. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains the flashpoint, with Trump prioritizing its reopening over a full withdrawal from diplomacy.
The mediators continue to push for a return to talks, but the divide between hardline factions inside Iran and the Trump administration's red lines makes a breakthrough uncertain. A collapse would likely trigger further volatility in energy markets and regional security.