Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has revealed that the country was completely cut off from oil exports during a US blockade of its ports, but said that shipments have surged since the restrictions were lifted. Speaking on state television, Ghalibaf said Iran had exported more than 40 million barrels of oil since the blockade ended. "By contrast, during the previous 50 to nearly 60 days, we were genuinely unable to export even a single barrel of oil," he said.

Ghalibaf struck a carefully balanced tone, saying Iran was prioritising diplomacy with Washington while remaining prepared for confrontation. "We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly," he said. He also highlighted Iran's strategic leverage, describing the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a significant share of the world's oil passes — as Tehran's "greatest instrument of power."

Diplomatic activity is currently centred on Doha, the capital of Qatar, which has been playing a key mediating role between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials have agreed to meet Qatari intermediaries to discuss broader negotiations following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States aimed at halting the wider West Asia conflict. However, both Iran and Qatar have pushed back on claims by US President Donald Trump that direct talks between the two sides are taking place. Ghalibaf said Iran would not begin negotiations on a final deal until the MoU's provisions are implemented, Washington waives oil sanctions, and frozen Iranian funds are released. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha.

Within the US administration, differing approaches have become apparent between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance has been openly critical of Israeli military operations in Lebanon, arguing they have complicated negotiations with Tehran, while Rubio has remained broadly supportive of Israel. The divergence underscores the delicate balancing act facing Washington as it attempts to manage both its alliance with Israel and its diplomatic opening with Iran. The situation in Lebanon, where Iran-backed group Hezbollah has been a central flashpoint, remains a key sticking point in any path toward a broader agreement.