Pentagon voices doubt, Iran seen stronger after conflict. Costly campaign yields limited change, Hormuz still contested. Back-channel Iran talks reported

A former Pentagon adviser said Iran is entering negotiations with higher leverage than before the war began.

The U.S. spent $12 billion, struck 9,000 targets, and deployed the 82nd Airborne.

Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz and can threaten chaos across the entire region.

That’s not the outcome the opening briefings described.

Source: CNN

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that talks are approved from the top.

According to Israeli outled Yedioth he said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has given the green light for negotiations and even a possible deal.

Publicly it is no talks, but behind the scenes, something might already be moving.

Source:
@AlArabiya_Eng
, Yedioth Ahronoth

Reports of ongoing or approved talks are mixed and partly unconfirmed, with officials publicly denying negotiations while some sources describe back-channel contact.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/23/surprise-us-talks-with-irans-fractured-leadership-offer-uncertain-path-out-of-conflict