Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on May 22, 2026, that Iran will not back down in negotiations, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei directed that near-weapons-grade uranium remain in the country. The U.S. proposal has narrowed some differences according to reports, though further progress depends on ending Washington's reported inclination toward military options. Oil futures for Brent and WTI advanced sharply amid references to energy disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.