Story perspectives

Barzani Restarts Iran Talks as US Opens Backchannel

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s administration opened a backchannel to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) through President Nechirvan Barzani in May.
Barzani conveyed Tulsi Gabbard’s May 10 inquiry to IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi, who replied on May 14 that he supports the Iranian negotiating team and prefers a solution.
After Iran declined the Erbil talks proposal over Israeli security concerns, Barzani offered to restart talks as mediators shuttled messages about Strait of Hormuz.

History

Historical Context

In July 2015 the United States, Iran, the European Union and the United Nations signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, unlocking about $100 billion of frozen Iranian assets. The deal’s reliance on regional intermediaries inspired the May 2024 back-channel talks that again seek to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s administration opened a backchannel to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) through President Nechirvan Barzani in May.
Barzani conveyed Tulsi Gabbard’s May 10 inquiry to IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi, who replied on May 14 that he supports the Iranian negotiating team and prefers a solution.
After Iran declined the Erbil talks proposal over Israeli security concerns, Barzani offered to restart talks as mediators shuttled messages about Strait of Hormuz.

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