GRANTS, N.M. – The United States and Iran remain far apart on the central questions that would determine whether this war truly ends: Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, uranium enrichment inside Iran, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest update from the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project (ISWCTP) says Iran has not publicly committed to removing its highly enriched uranium (HEU) or halting enrichment, while President Donald Trump said May 25 that any deal must be “great and meaningful” and rejected “anything like the JCPOA.”
ISW-CTP reported that mediators told the Wall Street Journal the United States is seeking firm nuclear commitments up front and fears Iran may delay, even as U.S. officials have offered sanctions relief in exchange for Iran handing over its HEU. The update says Iran, meanwhile, continues to seek clearer guarantees on sanctions relief and access to frozen assets.
Hormuz “Protection fees” and Basic Rules
The Strait of Hormuz remains the economic and strategic pressure point.
ISW-CTP said Iranian officials continue to claim the strait is territorial waters under the administration of “coastal” states and are attempting to reframe transit tolls as “protection fees” or “environmental fees.” ISW-CTP notes the strait is an international waterway under international law and describes the “protection fee” concept as a protection racket because Iran is the only power threatening civilian shipping in the strait during this war.
U.S. officials, the update adds, oppose any fee system in Hormuz, making this a core dispute in talks.
A Wider Diplomatic Push
ISW-CTP also reported that Trump urged the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan on May 25 to join the Abraham Accords, saying Saudi Arabia and Qatar should be first.
Drone War: Hezbollah “Swarm” Tactics
On the Lebanon front, ISW-CTP said Hezbollah drone operators have likely developed a rudimentary “swarm” tactic using three or more FPV drones in staggered, nearsimultaneous strikes that combine an initial hit with quick battle-damage checks and follow-on strikes. ISW-CTP says Hezbollah has released multiple examples of these attacks publicly and is likely to try improving the method as Israel develops countermeasures.
Inside Iran and Iraq
ISW-CTP reports Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the Communications Ministry to end the internet shutdown Iran began after the January 2026 protest movement, though ISWCTP reported the Supreme National Security Council has not yet approved that order.
In Iraq, ISW-CTP reported divisions inside the Shia Coordination Framework over a U.S. proposal involving Iranian-backed militias and the Popular Mobilization Forces, with some factions threatening to leave the coalition and others signaling willingness to disarm under certain political conditions.
In Remembrance
The following 13 U.S. service members gave their lives for our Freedom in this conflict. The Cibola County community honors their service and holds their families in our thoughts.
Drone attack in Kuwait March 1, 2026
• Capt. Cody A. Khork
• Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens
• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor
• Sgt. Declan J. Coady
• Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien
• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan Attack in Saudi Arabia March 1, 2026
• Sgt. Benjamin Pennington KC-135 crash in Iraq March 12, 2026
• Maj. John A. Klinner
• Capt. Ariana G. Savino
• Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt
• Capt. Seth R. Koval
• Capt. Curtis J. Angst
• Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons