Fragile progress as US–Iran tensions shift toward negotiations, says Khalilzad

Senior former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad, says the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered a new phase marked by both continued tensions and indirect diplomacy, with cautious signs of progress emerging.

In a social media post late Monday, Khalilzad, who served as the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, said the confrontation has shifted toward a combination of fighting and negotiations facilitated by regional powers.

He noted that developments over recent weeks include a five-week ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to all international shipping, and renewed talks between Washington and Tehran on issues of mutual concern.

Khalilzad described these steps as positive, adding that the US president had reportedly agreed to delay a previously threatened escalation.

“These are positive. The President (Donald Trump) apparently has agreed to delay the escalation initially threatened for tomorrow,” he stated.

However, significant obstacles remain. According to Khalilzad, Iran is insisting on guarantees that any agreement must prevent a return to war, while the United States wants to preserve the option of resuming hostilities if negotiations fail.

“Frankly it is hard to argue with that,” Khalilzad wrote, saying it is common for conflict to resume if talks collapse without a mutually acceptable outcome.

He proposed a potential compromise in which both sides would commit not to return to war for the duration of the negotiations—a measure that could help build trust and prevent further escalation.

Tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel remain volatile, with the current phase of the conflict underscoring how quickly flare-ups can spread across the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz—a critical artery for global oil shipments—has emerged as a focal point, and its reopening is being closely watched as a stabilising signal for international energy markets.

Khalilzad also noted that Iran has previously accused the United States of launching attacks while negotiations were still underway.