Al Jazeera Analysis: Iran is Imposing a New Reality in the Strait of Hormuz
In a recent analysis, Al Jazeera wrote that Iran is strengthening its position in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to impose a new reality on this strategic waterway and enter the next phase of negotiations with an upper hand.
Michael Stephens, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, said that behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing between Iran, Oman, and the Gulf Cooperation Council regarding the management of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, although it is still unclear whether Tehran and Muscat have agreed on charging fees from ships.
Stephens added, ‘My impression is that the Omanis, with the backing of the Gulf Cooperation Council, have entered into this dialogue with the Iranians, and this process shows that the Council has also accepted that a new reality exists in the Strait of Hormuz.’
He stated that Iran is strengthening its upper hand for entering another round of negotiations and expressed doubt that the United States could present the current situation as a political or strategic victory.
The analyst also responded to remarks by Scott Bennett, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, regarding the reduced importance of Hormuz with the construction of alternative pipelines, saying that establishing such infrastructure will take time.