Conflict appears to have reached painful stalemate, but leaders in Tehran and Washington seem to think victory is near

The U.S.' bid to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed "Project Freedom," was nicknamed "Project Deadlock" by Iran.

The US and Iran's determination to keep the pressure on each other has put the fragile Gulf ceasefire in serious jeopardy.

Conflict appears to have reached painful stalemate, but leaders in Tehran and Washington seem to think victory is near

Latest briefings float hope of basic deal that would keep peace and free shipping while further negotiations continue

Iran accuses the US of violating the truce, alleging it targeted an oil tanker and carried out attacks on coastal areas.

Seven days ago, the US-Iran ceasefire was holding but negotiations seemed stalled, or inching forward at best. Then, Donald Trump and the US launched Project Freedom

Washington and Tehran are trading blows as their negotiators seek a deal to end the fighting, but so far they’ve avoided a return to all-out fighting.