Ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, including recent proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and impose nuclear safeguards, have preserved a conditional ceasefire since April 2026 despite periodic clashes and a U.S. naval blockade. American operations have centered on airstrikes, maritime interdiction, and economic pressure rather than ground troop deployment for occupation, consistent with statements prioritizing conventional deterrence over regime change by invasion. Vice President Vance highlighted progress in talks as of mid-May 2026, underscoring trader consensus that diplomatic channels and high costs of sustained ground involvement make a full U.S. invasion before 2027 unlikely.