The United States and several regional mediators are exploring the possibility of holding high level talks with Iran as early as March 26, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The outreach, first reported by Axios, reflects Washington’s push to test whether diplomacy can slow or end the war even as fighting continues.

Officials say the U.S. has circulated a 15 point proposal outlining conditions for a potential deal, though Iran has not publicly acknowledged agreeing to any of the terms. Tehran has denied President Trump’s claim that negotiations are underway, while confirming that messages have been exchanged through intermediaries.

Regional partners including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have been passing communications between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan has said it is prepared to host talks if both sides consent, a signal that planning for a possible summit is advancing despite uncertainty.

Israeli officials, meanwhile, are wary that any U.S.–Iran agreement could fall short of Israel’s objectives or limit its military freedom of action. They also question whether Iran has genuinely offered the concessions the U.S. has described.

Inside Iran, political turbulence and questions over who holds decision making authority have complicated the process. U.S. officials say they are still waiting for a definitive response from Tehran on whether it will participate in the proposed meeting.

Even as diplomatic channels are tested, the U.S. continues preparing for potential escalation, including the deployment of additional military units to the region. The White House has described the situation as fluid, with Trump signaling he is open to a deal but ready to resume strikes if talks fail to materialize.

US to deploy about 1,000 82nd airborne troops to Middle East

The U.S. military is preparing to deploy about 1,000 troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a person with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press.

The troops are expected to deploy in the coming days, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military planning. The deployment would include a battalion from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, along with Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, the division’s commander, and division staff.

The deployment would add to the thousands of U.S. Marines already moving toward the region. Officials stressed that no decision has been made to send American troops into Iran, but acknowledged the buildup marks a significant escalation in the U.S.–Israel campaign against Tehran.

Here's what to know on day 25:

• Axios reports the U.S. and mediators believe a March 26 meeting is possible if Iran agrees.

• President Donald Trump is seeking a path to wind down the war, but Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz complicates any exit strategy.

• Washington shared a 15 point proposal with Israel, claiming Iran signaled openness to several elements — though there is no independent evidence of such commitments.

• Israeli officials fear Trump may accept a deal that falls short of Israel’s objectives or restrict future strikes on Iran.

• Iran denies Trump’s claim of active negotiations, though it acknowledges receiving U.S. messages through intermediaries.

• Pakistan, working with Egypt and Turkey, says it is “ready and honored” to host talks if both sides agree.

• U.S. officials describe internal disarray in Iran, with uncertainty over who can authorize talks amid questions surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s authority.

• Some Iranian officials argue Trump is overstating diplomatic progress to calm markets and buy time.

• Israeli intelligence believes there remains a significant gap between U.S. and Iranian positions.

• Only a small circle inside the Trump administration is aware of the details; Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly briefing Trump directly.

• The U.S. is awaiting a decision from Iran on whether to proceed with talks this week.

• One mediator proposed a temporary ceasefire, but the Trump administration prefers to negotiate under fire to maintain leverage.

• U.S. and Israeli officials expect another 2–3 weeks of fighting regardless of whether talks occur.

• The White House calls the situation “fluid”: Trump wants to test diplomacy but says the U.S. will “go back to bombing” if talks fail.

• Planned U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants are paused until Friday.

• Civilian death tolls continue to rise: Iran reports at least 1,348 killed; Lebanon says more than 1,000; Israeli officials say 15 people have died in Iranian attacks; the U.S. military reports 13 service members killed.

• The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf energy sites have pushed global oil prices above $100, prompting emergency measures in countries including the Philippines and South Korea. (Source: Newsweek)

Story Date: March 25, 2026