Lage im Überblick: Trump zu Iran-Diplomatie: „Es ist wie eine Schachpartie“

Although Iran has set new conditions for reopening the Hormuz Strait, US President Donald Trump appears unfazed, telling the Axios news portal he pays it little attention. Trump said they are only halfheartedly negotiating with the Iranians, pointing to Iran's economic problems and massive inflation. He added, "It will sort itself out.

Everything sorts itself out. It is like a chess game." Axios quoted US officials as saying Trump is focusing on de-escalation for now. The previous week, Trump had canceled what he claimed was the most intense wave of attacks on Iran. Iran had dampened hopes for a quick reopening of the strait for shipping traffic on Saturday. Tehran demanded significant concessions from the US before releasing the Hormuz Strait, which is crucial for international oil and gas trade.

The National Security Council attached numerous conditions to the step, including lifting the US naval blockade, withdrawing US forces from the region, lifting all sanctions against Iran, and the unconditional release of all frozen Iranian assets. An expert noted that economic pressure alone would probably not suffice. Iran is reportedly negotiating directly with Oman, the neighboring country on the other side of the strait, on how to regulate ship passages through the blocked Hormuz Strait.

Both countries have declared an agreement is near. Trump had previously claimed his administration was involved in the negotiations, a claim Iran denies. Israeli Iran expert Danny Citrinowicz said while Iran's economic situation is certainly dire, it is unlikely that economic pressure alone would force the country to capitulate at the negotiating table or abandon core strategic interests like control of the Hormuz Strait.

The UK Maritime Trade Organization reported the threat level in the strait remains high due to attacks by powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guard on merchant ships and harassment. Trade traffic in the strait has stagnated at a "reduced level" since the war with Iran began in early February. The strait carries around a fifth of the world's oil demand and is vital for transporting liquefied natural gas and fertilizer.

Since the outbreak of the Iran war in early February, Iran has used threats and attacks on ships to nearly halt shipping traffic, causing global oil and gas prices to surge. The National Security Council has a new leader, former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Resai, who was appointed as its new chairman by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The top advisory body within the Islamic Republic is seen as a central control mechanism. The ongoing conflict in Yemen between Saudi Arabia, backed by Iran, and the Houthi militia supported by Iran is also escalating, despite international calls for diplomacy. The Houthis attacked the port city of Mukalla again, firing ballistic missiles and drones at a residential area of a government-controlled city, according to the army on X. Earlier, the rebels killed seven civilians and military personnel and wounded others in an attack.

Houthi spokesperson Jahja Sari claimed the latest assault targeted Saudi military positions and warehouses in the city. Mukalla lies near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab strait, which serves as the gateway to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has been fighting alongside the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthis since 2014, following their takeover of the country.

A ceasefire was implemented in 2022, but small-scale clashes continue. The Houthis have also attacked or forced several Saudi ships to change course. Recently, the Islamists also targeted Saudi facilities.