Ongoing limited exchanges of air and naval strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces, centered on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian maritime targets, have continued into September 2026 following the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding. Both sides have signaled openness to renewed diplomacy through Qatari and Omani mediators, with Iran outlining conditions including sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade. U.S. officials have emphasized sanctions enforcement and targeted degradation of Iranian capabilities over broader escalation, amid reports of munitions constraints and domestic political costs. Analysts note that a large-scale ground invasion would require substantial additional troop deployments and face significant logistical and political barriers, consistent with the current pattern of calibrated strikes and negotiation efforts rather than regime-change operations.