*What’s happening right now, May 23, 2026:*
*1. US posture*
- CBS and Axios both report Trump’s team met Friday morning to discuss Iran. 4253
- Multiple outlets say Trump is “seriously considering” new strikes if talks collapse. No final decision yet. 42534a32
- US military/intel personnel have cancelled Memorial Day weekend plans ahead of possible action. Recall rosters for overseas bases are being updated. 21f5
*2. Iran’s moves*
- Reports of Iranian airspace closures and raised military readiness. b079
- IRGC said any new US attack would expand the war “beyond the region”. 8d9f
- Iran’s negotiator warned of “crushing, bitter consequences” if the US restarts the war. b079
*3. Diplomacy*
- Talks are “agonising” with little progress. 4253
- Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir met IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi in Tehran today. Qatar also sent a delegation. 425392fd
- Trump says “Iran is dying to make a deal” but reiterated Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. 4253
- Secretary Rubio says there’s been “a little bit of movement” but nothing definitive. 4253
*4. Context*
- The ceasefire from April 8 has largely held, but talks have stalled for 6 weeks. a0c7
- Operation Epic Fury hit >1,450 Iranian weapons facilities and degraded ∼90% of air defenses. Iran restarted some drone production but missile launches have been near-zero since the ceasefire. 86b7
- Gulf states are pressing Trump to give negotiations more time. 4a32