Strait of Hormuz peace talks indefinitely postponed as Gulf states and US push back

Gulf diplomats and Iranian officials were set to meet Monday to discuss an Omani plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to regular tanker traffic, a conversation scheduled without the participation of the United States. However, as news of the gathering circulated, the meeting was indefinitely postponed, according to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. In the interests of consensus the regional meeting set for tomorrow in Salalah has been postponed, Albusaidi wrote on X. We remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports stability and lasting cooperation in our region. Despite shipping traffic remaining depressed, President Donald Trump has insisted the state of the waterway is acceptable for now, with the US military escorting oil tankers. The scheduled meeting underscored that, despite active efforts to develop alternative transit corridorsregional countries remain unwilling to accept the status quo as the new normal. Following months of private discussions regarding a complex legal framework to reopen the strait and allow Iran and Oman to collect fees, diplomats had hoped the gathering would build momentum for a deal. There is no imminent breakthrough expected, but resolving the strait issue is the most pressing issue, so we need to start somewhere, a regional source said. Saudi Arabia submitted amendments due to concerns that the proposed language could establish a new status quo unacceptable to itself and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.While the possibility of mandatory Iranian tolls remains widely rejected, there is a willingness to consider voluntary contributions for directing passage through the waterway. The Omani legal framework includes voluntary payments for navigational safety and environmental protection, according to three sources familiar with the plans. Trump administration officials have privately informed Gulf partners that they want to refocus future US-Iran negotiations exclusively on Tehrans nuclear program rather than reopening the strait, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Im not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table, Trump wrote on Truth Social following Iranian retaliation to US strikes. I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing. One key goal for the Monday meeting was to agree on transit route maps through the strait. However, the likelihood of GCC countries and Iran uniting behind a comprehensive plan without the United States at the table remains low. The Trump administration did not oppose the gathering, maintaining it would closely monitor discussions. The United States is in close communication with all of our regional partners and will remain so before, during, and after the meeting. Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz and never will, a US official stated shortly before Omans announcement. While the US initially underestimated Irans willingness to close the strait following the outbreak of combat operations, American forces believe they now hold the military upper hand in the waterway. We dont want to talk about the strait, and that is the position of the administration right now were only going to talk to you if you want to talk about nuclear file, a US official stated. Iranian officials have signaled to regional players that they would be open to nuclear negotiations with Washington once the strait issue is resolved, including lifting the US blockade. As a result, establishing a framework to reopen the waterway is seen as a vital precursor to broader nuclear talks and ending the conflict. The debate over mandatory fees remains a key sticking point. Prior to the conflict, the waterway operated free of required charges, and US and regional officials initially insisted that any post-war framework must avoid new fees that financially benefit Iran. However, after months of surging global energy prices, European and Gulf diplomats indicate that the absolute opposition to fees has softened.We wont accept something that was not there before, but there could be symbolic new rules that allow both sides to save face, a European diplomat briefed on the Omani proposal noted. Although Trump administration officials have reviewed Oman’s draft plans, they have not publicly endorsed the framework. Instead, Trump and administration officials continue to assert that the US is the only entity capable of facilitating an open waterway, with Vice President JD Vance recently stating, We are the only country in the world that can ensure, as you heard the president say, the control over the Strait of Hormuz. While US military escorts have allowed an increased number of oil tankers to move through the strait in recent weeks, commercial ships continue to face strikes from Iranian attacks. Questions remain regarding how long the US Navy can maintain the substantial commitment of resources required to escort vessels through the area. US diplomats and regional sources privately acknowledge that Gulf efforts to establish a framework to reopen the strait remain necessary, even without direct US participation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attempted to downplay the waterway’s long-term significance, claiming the strait will become like a worthless piece of water within two years.  Nevertheless, regional players emphasize that finding a long-term resolution for the strait remains critical, particularly given recent Houthi military advances threatening passage through the Red Sea. The post Strait of Hormuz peace talks indefinitely postponedas Gulf states and US push back appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.