Current sectionMiddle East NewsIran NewsPete Hegseth said Iranian negotiators were 'coming in our direction' on a possible deal, adding that the U.S. was well-positioned to renew strikes if necessary. The Strait of Hormuz would be an open, 'toll-free strait that the entire world can use,' he saidShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeHaaretz08:18 PM • May 30 2026 IDTU.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that talks with Iran have been "productive," adding that the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was still in place.Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:Iran - U.S.Iran nuclearIranStrait of HormuzCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Israel-Iran Live UpdatesIran DealGazaHezbollahIsrael ElectionsOctober 7HaQuizHaaretz PodcastNorthern Israelis Voice Despair After Another Day of Incessant Hezbollah FirePentagon Chief Says Talks With Iran 'Productive,' Threatens Renewed StrikesUnder Haredi Pressure, Police Chief Frees Draft Dodger Despite High Court RulingMiami's Mutra Becomes First Kosher Restaurant to Win Michelin StarIsraeli Soldiers Say Gaza Killings Continued Despite Cease-fireRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIIsrael Orders Unprecedented Seizure of Religious Site From Palestinian Authority'Israelis Are More Genocidal Than You Think': The 'Counter Hasbara' of Andrey XFormer Israeli Soldier Dies by Suicide in Miami at Age 23Netanyahu's Promises of Victory in Iran End in a Glorious U.S. CapitulationWill Trump Forgive Netanyahu Over Iran? The Emerging Deal Suggests NotIsrael 2026 Election Poll Tracker: The Latest Projections