US says Iran refusing concessions in back-channel talks

The United States has stated that Iran is unwilling to make concessions necessary for a lasting peace deal during back-channel talks, as Tehran appears to have taken a more aggressive stance after the 60-day deadline for negotiations expired. Jared Kushner, the US special envoy, expressed frustration, saying "Iran is not showing any interest in doing something that makes sense for us."

He added that Iran must be willing to give up its capability to develop nuclear weapons and cease funding terrorism in the region. Kushner confirmed that US contacts with various Iranian officials have been more extensive than ever before, but acknowledged that a deal has not yet been reached. President Trump, however, insisted he was not in a hurry for an agreement.

Iran's senior officials have warned of escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region if talks fail, threatening a "timely and precise" military attack to break the US naval blockade. The deadline for the peace settlement set by the June 17 framework had passed by Monday, and Iran demanded the US fully implement the agreement's provisions within a few weeks before further negotiations could proceed.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased, with only five vessels passing through on Saturday and none on Sunday compared to 31 vessels the previous weekend. The disruption has intensified after the UAE reported attacks on three Adnoc-operated vessels while they were transiting the strait.