The US and Iran are engaged in negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the talks, stating that an agreement could be reached soon.
Iran’s Goals
Iran’s primary objective is to establish a temporary arrangement that would grant the country significant control over the strait. This has raised concerns among other nations, including the US, which opposes any form of state control over international waters.
A senior Gulf official familiar with the talks suggested that there is a 50:50 chance of a deal being reached by Friday. However, the Iranian delegation does not include the voice of the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which would need to sign off on the details.
US Position
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that any form of state control over international waters is against international law. The US has threatened to attack Iran if no deal is reached, which has led to increased tensions in the region.
The negotiations have focused on transforming the southern route, which passes through Omani waters, and the northern route, which passes through Iran’s territorial waters, into an intermediate route that serves the considerations and interests of both coastal states.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
