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US President Trump’s Next Move Against Iran Revealed (Img: Pinterest)
Washington: US President Donald Trump is not planning to withdraw from the Iran war without making any fresh nuclear deal, if Tehran is ready to allow the highly strategic Strait of Hormuz to open up again.
The Wall Street Journal said that US officials believe that the Trump administration is mulling the possibility of declaring a victory and withdrawing from the conflict if normal shipping starts in the highly strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most significant energy corridors of the world as nearly 20 per cent of global oil.
The Strait of Hormuz has been the focal point in the ongoing struggle since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28. Iran has made use of its control over the passage, blocking shipping traffic and warning all ships about navigating the route uncoordinated.
A number of ships trying to make their way through have been hindered, creating worries in the world community about fuel supply and oil prices.
It is said that re-opening of Hormuz may become the primary means for de-escalating the conflict between Washington and Tehran.
While reports suggest the US is looking for a way to end the conflict, Iranian officials have signalled that Tehran will not easily surrender control over the waterway.
Former Iranian chief justice Ayatollah Amoli Larijani said Iran would not retreat from the Strait of Hormuz “at any cost”, according to Al Jazeera’s report citing Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
Larijani, who currently heads Iran’s Expediency Council, said Tehran considers the strategic waterway part of its sovereignty and accused opponents of attempting to pressure Iran.
Iran has indicated that discussions with Oman over managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are progressing. However, Tehran has made it clear that reopening the route depends on several conditions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran and Muscat were close to an understanding on a new shipping arrangement, but additional issues must be resolved before normal operations resume.
Iran has demanded compensation from the US, an end to sanctions, the lifting of blockades, and the release of Iranian assets. Tehran has also called for an end to US actions against Iran and its allies in the region.
Any breakthrough over Hormuz could have a major impact on global energy markets. With the waterway handling a significant share of global oil shipments, reopening the route could ease fears of supply disruptions.
For now, both sides remain locked in negotiations, with Trump signalling a possible exit strategy while Iran continues to use Hormuz as its strongest negotiating card.
