CAIRO - Regional officials stated Monday that mediators have secured advances in returning the United States and Iran to talks after both sides halted strikes following weeks of rising tensions. Yet isolated assaults by armed factions throughout the area highlighted ongoing strains.

Saudi Arabia reported downing drones launched by Iran-supported groups from Iraq aimed at its oil sites. Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen separately asserted strikes on Saudi petroleum facilities amid a linked dispute. It remained unclear whether the incidents overlapped.

Neither Washington nor Tehran recorded any strikes over three days, offering a break after roughly two weeks of exchanges that heightened worries of renewed full conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Iran had sought further talks, contacting officials directly due to sustained pressure. Tehran has denied any direct discussions.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that talks were proceeding well and outcomes remained possible, with positive results leading to continued efforts or a return to prior actions if unsuccessful.

Two regional officials, speaking anonymously about private negotiations, noted that Qatar and Pakistan-led mediators were bridging gaps to restore an earlier interim ceasefire that collapsed amid exchanges.

Besides the Saudi incident, two drone strikes hit a Kurdish Iranian opposition group in Iraq on Monday, while Jordan downed two drones of unknown origin. No injuries or destruction were reported.

Iran and Ukraine have clashed publicly after Ukraine targeted at least one Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea over the weekend. Iran reported a sailor killed and noted its alliance with Russia, including drone technology support.

The U.S. paused operations after hitting Iranian coastal zones and facilities in a nearly two-week escalation triggered by Iranian fire on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, vital for oil transport. Iran countered with missile and drone hits on sites hosting U.S. forces, resulting in at least three deaths in Jordan and one in Iraq.

Iran stopped its actions after the U.S. pause, according to Tehran’s army spokesperson on state television Sunday.

The Iran conflict has reduced U.S. reserves of missiles and interceptors, according to analysts.

Trump stated the munitions stockpile was in solid condition yet expressed a desire for more. Experts have raised questions about sustainability for both sides.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informed Trump that stockpile levels could affect operations in Iran, per a U.S. official.

The official, speaking anonymously on sensitive matters, said the advice formed part of Caine’s standard role in offering military guidance.

Caine noted to lawmakers last week that airpower faces constraints in meeting objectives, with the U.S. relying almost solely on airstrikes against Iran.

One regional official described mediation progress as notable and said efforts with Iran and Oman focused on a system for vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the core flashpoint.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated at a Tehran news conference that mediators might relay messages from the U.S. side but confirmed no direct negotiations.

He noted Iran and Oman discussed ship traffic management in the strait on Friday and Saturday.

The goal involves creating mechanisms for safe passage while honoring coastal states’ rights and Iran’s security interests, Baghaei said, stressing the waterway stays closed.

Tehran claims the interim deal permits management of shipping and possible fees, objecting to U.S. support for an alternative near Oman. The strait previously allowed open access without charges.

The U.S. military said Monday its naval blockade against Iran continues, with 17 commercial ships redirected, two disabled and two boarded.

The 60-day interim deal period from mid-June is past midpoint, with major topics like Iran’s nuclear program deferred as mediators focus on sustaining dialogue.

Concerns have increased over shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb strait to the Red Sea. The Houthis threatened a Saudi shipping blockade last week and fired on at least one tanker.

Global energy and economies face pressure as gasoline prices have climbed.

Commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz reached a three-week low, per a U.S. Navy-linked maritime group on Sunday, with no new attacks confirmed in 72 hours. Traffic held steady through Bab el-Mandeb.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to meet Trump in Washington on Tuesday. Their prior meeting occurred in February, weeks before the war that killed Iranian leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon struck Israel two days after the war started, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground operation.

The U.S. State Department said Monday the next Israel-Lebanon talks occur next week in Rome, emphasizing expanded pilot zones for Israeli withdrawals and handover to Lebanese forces.

Discussions have continued for months to reduce Hezbollah influence in Lebanon.

Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee, Konstantin Toropin, Darlene Superville and Ben Finley in Washington; Jill Lawless and Emma Burrows in London; and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.