Narrowed to the Strait

For now, the peace talks between Iran and the US seem to have been narrowed down to a single issue: Reopening the Strait. “Tehran and Washington have scaled back ambitions for a sweeping settlement as differences persist, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program – including the fate of its highly enriched ​uranium stockpiles and how long Tehran would halt nuclear work. Instead, they are working toward a temporary arrangement set out in a one-page memo aimed at preventing a return to conflict and stabilizing shipping through the strait.” US and Iran explore short-term deal to end fighting.

+ “Trump surprised Gulf allies by announcing ‘Project Freedom’ on social media Sunday afternoon.” It turns out that’s not the best way to build a global coalition. Even the Saudis balked. Trump’s abrupt U-turn on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz came after backlash from allies. Now, it looks like Project Freedom could be back on soon. Here’s the latest from The Guardian and the NYT.