Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain major sticking points, despite mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan. WASHINGTON: The United States has seen some progress towards a deal with Iran but more work is required, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday (May 22), as diplomatic efforts intensified to find an end to a conflict that has roiled the global economy. Iran's foreign minister met his Pakistani counterpart on Friday to discuss proposals to end the war,