Rubio says slight progress, Trump holds off strike
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- Marco Rubio said on May 22, 2026 that there was “slight progress” in U.S.–Iran talks, describing the movement as “a little bit of movement”.
- Donald Trump announced he was holding off on a military strike on Iran because “serious negotiations” were underway, indicating a pause in potential U.S. action.
- Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi on May 22, 2026 to discuss proposals for ending the U.S.–Israeli war, showing Pakistan’s role as a mediator.
- U.S. officials have not yet secured a formal agreement with Iran, and the negotiations remain ongoing with uncertainty about a settlement or resumption of hostilities.
Why it matters: U.S. energy firms and global oil traders gain a short‑term reprieve from war‑driven price spikes, while Iran avoids immediate military confrontation; the stalled talks keep regional stability hanging in the balance.
