According to The Jerusalem Post, the gap between the two sides stems not only from sweeping American demands — including restrictions on Iran's nuclear program, limits on ballistic missiles, and guarantees of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz — but also from significant Iranian counter-demands. "At the moment, the Iranians are insisting on American compensation, as well as guarantees from the administration that there will be no further action against Iran as part of any agreement," two sources involved in mediation efforts told the outlet.
Despite public statements from President Donald Trump suggesting progress in negotiations, a source familiar with the details confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the deployment of American forces in the Middle East is continuing as planned. Those forces include US Marines positioned to potentially seize Iran's Kharg Island — a critical oil terminal in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch a ground operation targeting the island, with the choice partly contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks with Tehran.
The military buildup is significant. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans, carrying approximately 2,500 Marines, are expected to arrive in the region this weekend. A second Amphibious Ready Group led by the USS Boxer — accompanied by escort ships USS Portland and USS Comstock — is also heading to the US Central Command area of responsibility. That group carries F-35B stealth jets, Super Cobra attack helicopters, MV-22 Osprey aircraft, and roughly 4,500 sailors and Marines combined.
The US Army is also weighing the deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division, which can mobilize around 3,000 troops anywhere in the world within 18 hours. A major exercise for the division was quietly canceled about two weeks ago, fueling speculation it may be redirected to the region.
Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post there has been no change in coordination with US military counterparts or in operational planning. "Everything is continuing as usual. There is no change in the American war plans — and we do not see any such change," one Israeli source said.