08/05 • DIPLOMATIC OPENINGS

Iran and the United States

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States are expected to resume this weekend in Muscat, Oman. 

President Donald Trump has reasserted that military action remains on the table if Iran refuses to accept a deal. He insists the U.S. will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons - a stance consistent with his previous administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Iran, for its part, continues to assert that its nuclear programme is peaceful, and that enrichment activities fall within its rights. But international suspicion remains high, and the stakes of these resumed negotiations are considerable.

However, despite high tensions and deep mistrust, the renewed talks seem to indicate that both sides are reciprocating following months of sabre-rattling.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda

After months of tension and border clashes, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken a step toward dialogue. In late April, both countries signed an agreement outlining a “pathway to peace” focused on de-escalation, economic cooperation, and regional stability.

The deal includes commitments to reduce support for armed groups, improve border coordination, and begin preparing for the return of displaced civilians.

Trust is still tentative between DRC and Rwanda, given Rwanda’s alleged ties to the M23 rebel group. However, this marks one of the most concrete diplomatic openings in over a year. Mediators including the United States, Qatar, and Angola have been instrumental in creating space for conversation, though the path ahead is likely to be uneven.

The conflict in DRC has displaced more than 7 million people and contributed to one of the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises. These tentative steps toward peace offer a sliver of hope - not just for governments, but for communities caught in the crossfire.

Russia and Ukraine

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine (while still active) have slowed once more. Though Kyiv recently agreed to a UN-proposed 30-day ceasefire, Moscow rejected the offer, citing security concerns and lack of Western guarantees.

U.S. officials are reportedly reassessing their mediation approach, as humanitarian agencies warn of deepening civilian impacts across eastern Ukraine and occupied regions.

The response has left diplomats frustrated and civilians vulnerable, particularly in regions near the front lines and under Russian occupation. U.S. and European leaders have publicly urged Moscow to reconsider, while humanitarian organisations warn that the window for safely delivering aid is narrowing.

The war, now in its third year, continues to claim lives daily. Although the ceasefire proposal failed, the very act of proposing one signals a global desire to break the deadlock. For now, however, negotiations remain out of reach, leaving millions of Ukrainians waiting for a peace that still feels distant.