- The United States and Iran are in a stalemate following a ceasefire extension last month.
- Both nations maintain naval blockades around the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to exert economic pressure for leverage in peace talks.
- Peace negotiations have stalled since mid-April, with Iran demanding the US lift its blockade and the US insisting Iran cease blockading international shipping.
- Iran has recently requested to separate the contentious issue of its nuclear programme from discussions to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Donald Trump reportedly received a high-level briefing on new military options against Iran from Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine on Thursday.
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