How does diplomacy work during a military deadlock?

How does diplomacy work during a military deadlock?

From Consider This from NPR by NPR

May 3, 2026 · 8 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of diplomacy during a military deadlock in the Iran conflict.

The war with Iran is in a deadlock. Despite a back and forth of peace plans, there is no permanent ceasefire. President Trump has oscillated between a willingness to engage in diplomacy and threats to resume the American bombing campaign if he doesn’t get a deal. All this has complicated negotiations, which the U.S. and Iran are holding through intermediaries. So, how do leaders try to negotiate with countries they’re in conflict with? For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for C onsider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Email us at considerthis@npr.org . This episode was produced by Henry Larson. It was edited by Sarah Robbins and Tinbete Ermyas. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Topics covered

  • diplomacy
  • military deadlock
  • Iran conflict
  • negotiations
  • peace plans

Keywords

  • diplomacy
  • military deadlock
  • Iran
  • peace plans
  • negotiations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR, Consider This, Apple Podcasts, pcm.adswizz.com

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