US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, speaks as US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listen during a Cabinet meeting [File: Win McNamee/Getty Images/AFP]By Elizabeth Melimopoulos and AFPPublished On 29 May 202629 May 2026
Diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire between the United States and Iran have continued behind the scenes, with officials signalling progress towards a framework that could open the door to formal negotiations after weeks of conflict and disruption across the Gulf and beyond.
Despite the optimism, questions remain over the timing and scope of any agreement. Iranian media reports suggested discussions are continuing and that key details have yet to be finalised, while both sides continue to navigate sensitive issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and security in the Gulf.
