Iran unlikely to ever willingly surrender control over Strait of Hormuz, INSS expert claims

Iran is unlikely to ever relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz, according to Dr. Raz Zimmt, head of Iran at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). He explained that the Iranians view Hormuz as their most significant strategic achievement. In return for American recognition of Iranian control over the strait, the Iranians may impose various fees, such as service or environmental fees.

Dr. Zimmt rejected the notion that Iran would be willing to compromise, stating that Iran is taking advantage of the shortage of interceptors and the reluctance of the US military leadership to return to war. The Iranians are currently negotiating with the Omanis over reopening the strait, but they have not given up any of the demands outlined in a memorandum of understanding.

This memorandum stipulated that the Americans would release frozen Iranian assets, ease sanctions on oil exports, and lift the naval blockade in exchange for the Iranians reopening the strait. However, the Iranians consider the Americans to have violated the memorandum of understanding and are now demanding additional concessions.