The Bottom Line Upfront
Secret United States and Iran talks aimed at addressing the Gaza war have been disrupted by the sudden deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister. At a press gaggle held on May 20, the White House press office said that it would defer to Iranian authorities for more information on the crash, and only that the White House would continue to hold Iran accountable for destabilizing the region.
The Breakdown
- U.S. President Biden's adviser Brett McGurk and Iran's Ali Bagheri Kani held indirect talks in Oman, focusing on ending Israel's war on Gaza and other regional issues.
- The unexpected deaths of Raisi and his foreign minister have paused these negotiations. Iran must now hold a presidential election, delaying further talks until new leadership is in place.
- The U.S. and Iran had hoped to build on previous engagements, but political uncertainties in both countries complicate future negotiations.
