US, Iran Signal Progress Toward Ending Middle East Standoff

Efforts to resolve the armed confrontation between the United States and Iran are making progress, according to representatives on both sides and Pakistani intermediaries. U.S. and Israeli forces commenced attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, setting off 38 days of fighting before Washington and Tehran reached a ceasefire on April 7. Negotiations have continued since then, with all sides posturing for the resumption of large-scale conflict. During a visit to India on May 23, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters “there’s been some progress done, some progress made,” in negotiations with Iran. “Even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done. There is a chance that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, in a couple of days, we may have something to say,” Rubio added....