President Donald Trump said an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is near and described calls with leaders of multiple regional countries. He said finalization is pending between the United States and Iran, along with other listed countries, and that Israel’s prime minister was also contacted. Reports indicated a 60-day ceasefire extension would include Iran gradually reopening the strait and agreeing to discuss its uranium stockpile. In return, the United States would ease its naval blockade, phase in sanctions relief, and unfreeze Iranian assets held overseas. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that such a deal could be seen as recognizing Iran’s ability to control the strait, shifting the regional balance of power and creating risks for Israel.
"“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed,” he wrote, adding he had a separate call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."
"Ahead of the announcement, reports said a deal to extend the ceasefire by 60 days would include Iran gradually reopening the strait and agreeing to discuss its uranium stockpile. In return, the U.S. would ease its naval blockade while phasing in sanctions relief as well as the unfreezing Iranian assets held overseas."
"“If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate [sic] force requiring a diplomatic solution,” he posted on X just before Trump's announcement."
"Such a perception would represent a major shift in the regional balance of power and eventually become a “nightmare” for Israel, he added. “Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate,” Graham said."
#strait-of-hormuz #us-iran-negotiations #sanctions-relief #regional-balance-of-power #middle-east-ceasefire
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