Independent reports Iran-U.S. Strait of Hormuz developments

The Independent reported on Saturday, May 23, that U.S. and Iranian positions had moved closer in talks over ending the war, while the Strait of Hormuz remained a central dispute and U.S. officials prepared for the possibility of new strikes. The report, published as a live update, said Tehran had indicated the latest U.S. proposal had “narrowed the gaps to some extent,” but also said Washington and Tehran were still divided over shipping control and military pressure. (cnbc.com) (independent.co.uk) The article linked from X by user torysmasher on May 22 pointed to a wider debate already underway in Washington and Tehran over whether diplomacy could hold if the Hormuz dispute remained unresolved. The Independent cited reporting that military and intelligence officials had canceled Memorial Day weekend plans in case President Donald Trump chose to authorize further action, while also carrying comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about “good signs” in the talks. (independent.co.uk) ### What exactly had moved closer between Washington and Tehran? CNBC reported on May 22 that both sides had signaled progress in talks, even though they remained at odds over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. The outlet said Iran was reviewing U.S. views through an exchange of messages based on Tehran’s earlier 14-point framework. Iran’s semiofficial ISNA news agency, as quoted by CNBC, said the latest U.S. proposal “has narrowed the gaps to some extent.” ISNA also said that “further reductions require an end to the temptation for war from Washington,” tying any additional movement to a reduction in U.S. military pressure. (independent.co.uk) ### Why was the Strait of Hormuz still the sticking point? Marco Rubio said on Thursday that any agreement would be unworkable if Iran tried to impose a permanent tolling system in the waterway. CNBC quoted Rubio as saying, “No one in the world is in favor of a tolling system. (cnbc.com) It can’t happen [and] it would be unacceptable.” Donald Trump also rejected reported discussions involving Iran and Oman over a possible payment system for traffic through the strait. CNBC quoted Trump as saying the United States wanted the route “open” and “free,” adding: “It’s international. (cnbc.com) It’s an international waterway.” ### What military options were reportedly under discussion? The Independent said CBS News had reported that military and intelligence officials canceled Memorial Day weekend plans because of possible U.S. strikes on Iran. The report added that no final decision had been made as of Friday afternoon local time. (cnbc.com) A White House spokesperson, quoted by The Independent from CBS reporting, said: “The President always maintains all options at all times, and it is the job of the Pentagon to be ready to execute any decision the Commander-in-Chief could make.” The Independent said fresh strikes would threaten what it described as a fragile ceasefire. (cnbc.com) ### What were officials saying publicly as those reports emerged? Rubio told reporters after a NATO ministers meeting in Sweden that there had been progress, but not enough to declare a breakthrough. (independent.co.uk) The Independent quoted him as saying: “There’s been some progress. I wouldn’t exaggerate it. I wouldn’t diminish it.” The same Independent update said Rubio also raised the prospect of allied planning if Iran moved to control the strait and charge tolls. He said NATO allies needed to consider a “Plan B” to reopen the route if Iran refused to do so. (independent.co.uk) ### What should readers watch next? Saturday’s next marker was whether U.S. officials moved beyond contingency planning and whether Iranian officials gave a fuller response to the latest U.S. proposal. The most immediate public updates were coming through The Independent’s live blog and follow-on reporting from outlets including CNBC and CBS News. (independent.co.uk)