Diplomatic efforts intensify as reports suggest attacks in Strait of Hormuz may have been carried out by factions opposing negotiations
WASHINGTON/DOHA: Regional mediators are intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent the collapse of the US-Iran nuclear agreement after reports suggested that recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz may have been carried out by elements within Iran seeking to derail the negotiations rather than by the country’s top leadership.
According to Axios, officials involved in regional mediation believe the latest maritime attacks were likely initiated by factions opposed to the diplomatic process. The assessment has raised concerns that internal divisions within Iran could threaten months of negotiations aimed at reaching a broader and more durable agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Consequently, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have launched an urgent round of diplomatic contacts with both governments. The countries are reportedly working through multiple channels to prevent further escalation and keep negotiations on track despite the recent spike in tensions.
Regional diplomacy gains momentum
The coordinated diplomatic initiative reflects growing concern that any further military incidents could undermine the fragile progress achieved during recent rounds of indirect talks. Regional governments reportedly fear that continued attacks on commercial shipping or additional military responses could permanently damage the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, mediators continue encouraging restraint from both sides while urging them to separate ongoing diplomatic efforts from actions carried out by hardline elements seeking confrontation.
Mixed signals from Washington
US President Donald Trump recently described the agreement as “over,” raising fresh uncertainty about the future of the negotiations. However, officials within his administration continue to indicate that diplomatic engagement has not formally ended and that communication channels with Tehran remain open.
The contrasting public statements have added to speculation over the agreement’s future. Nevertheless, regional mediators remain engaged, believing sustained diplomacy still offers the best opportunity to prevent a broader regional crisis and preserve the framework for continued negotiations between the United States and Iran.
🇮🇷🇺🇸 Someone inside Iran is trying to torpedo the nuclear deal, and it may not be who you'd expect.
Regional mediators believe this week's Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz weren't ordered from the top.
They think elements inside the regime who oppose the deal launched… pic.twitter.com/oey7AQHCjG
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 10, 2026
