Trump paused Hormuz operation after Saudi Arabia restricted US access - NBC

US negotiators have revived a proposal involving the transfer of Iran’s highly enriched uranium in exchange for the release of around $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds and sanctions relief, according to WIRED.

The report said Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner initially advanced the framework with presidential approval, under which Iran would hand over its enriched uranium and agree to a 12–15 year moratorium on enrichment. However, the deal was later rejected by President Donald Trump over political concerns about the optics of releasing funds to Tehran, before the same framework re-emerged in renewed post-conflict discussions, WIRED reported.

US-sanctioned, cargo-empty tankers are continuing to arrive in Iran-linked shipping routes, according to maritime analytics group Tanker Trackers.

In a post on X, the group said a tanker identified as VINA/VALLEY (IMO 9157478), which it described as regularly involved in transporting Iranian LPG to Yemen, entered what it called a “blockade perimeter” while transmitting AIS signals.

It also said a larger Iranian oil tanker had arrived empty, adding that such movements “buy Tehran more time.”

The United States’ 2026 counterterrorism strategy identifies Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism and outlines sustained efforts to disrupt militant networks, financing channels and regional proxy groups, according to the document released on Wednesday.

The strategy also highlights the use of intelligence, law enforcement, cyber and, where necessary, kinetic tools against terrorist threats, while stressing cooperation with international partners and attention to maritime security risks in strategic waterways including the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States will press allies to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation under a new strategy signed by President Donald Trump, focusing on threats including Iran and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, CBS News reported on Wednesday.

According to report, White House counterterrorism director Sebastian Gorka said Washington expects partner countries to take on a greater role in addressing security threats, including protecting shipping lanes and countering militant activity, adding that the US does not see itself as a “global police officer.”

The United States is demanding that Iran hand over all of its enriched nuclear material, not just portions at higher enrichment levels, according to a Wall Street Journal cited by US figures.

US officials have reportedly outlined sweeping demands in discussions referenced by The Wall Street Journal, including the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as well as the transfer of all enriched nuclear material. The reported conditions also include strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, long-term or permanent restrictions on enrichment, and a verification regime involving inspections and penalties for violations, according to the report.