Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are entering what analysts describe as a phase of “erosion without war,” amid intensifying political, economic, and military pressures linked to the ongoing crisis in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to assessments cited by Israeli analysts, both sides are engaged in a widening “war of nerves,” seeking to avoid appearing weak in the diplomatic and media arena, while tensions continue to build in parallel with maritime and security developments.
Reports also suggest shifting public opinion trends in the United States, with commentary pointing to a decline in perceptions of Israel’s standing, alongside signs of internal strain within Israeli political and military circles, reports Al-Rai daily.
The White House confirmed that it is reviewing a proposal submitted by Iran aimed at easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, a US official noted that President Donald Trump is skeptical of the plan, arguing it does not directly address the nuclear issue.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Iranian proposal as “better than expected,” but emphasized that its credibility and seriousness remain in question.
Rubio stressed that any agreement must definitively prevent Iran from advancing toward nuclear weapons capability, warning against arrangements that could allow Tehran to preserve its strategic leverage.
According to informed sources, Iran’s proposal reportedly includes delaying discussions on its nuclear program until after the end of the conflict, in exchange for an immediate easing of maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and a partial lifting of naval pressure.
While Tehran is seeking rapid normalization of maritime conditions to reduce economic strain, Washington insists that nuclear limitations must come first, viewing any easing of pressure on the Strait without nuclear concessions as a strategic advantage for Iran.
Israeli influence remains a key factor in the broader negotiation landscape. According to analysis published by News18, Israeli leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, maintains significant leverage in Washington, particularly through political and congressional channels.
Israel is reportedly demanding a far stricter position than that of the United States, insisting not merely on freezing uranium enrichment but on the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, a condition Tehran firmly rejects.
Israeli officials have warned that any agreement resembling the 2015 nuclear deal would be viewed as a strategic setback, potentially granting Iran both legitimacy and operational breathing space.
Analysts describe the current phase as one of “testing and positioning,” in which Iran offers partial concessions focused on maritime access, while avoiding core nuclear commitments. Washington’s response has been cautious, with indications of rejection but continued openness to dialogue.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that cancelled or delayed diplomatic engagements signal deepening stagnation in the negotiation process.
According to Israeli commentary, the situation reflects a psychological standoff in which neither side wishes to appear as the first to concede. Tehran is reportedly resisting any gesture that could be interpreted as yielding diplomatic initiative, while Washington seeks visible engagement signals from Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz has increasingly become the focal point of the dispute, transforming from a commercial shipping route into a strategic pressure zone.
Iran has proposed alternative frameworks such as shared navigation arrangements or transit fee mechanisms involving regional partners, but these ideas have been rejected by Washington.
Mediation efforts involving regional actors continue, though reports suggest that discussions are now also addressing internal divisions within Iran’s political structure.
Analysts describe the current situation as a “neither war nor peace” scenario, characterized by sustained pressure, limited engagement, and strategic ambiguity.
The greatest concern for Israel and some regional observers is not the collapse of negotiations, but the possibility of a partial agreement that grants Iran economic relief without fully addressing its nuclear and missile capabilities.
As a result, the diplomatic track remains fragile, with the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program continuing to define the trajectory of the crisis.
