Gulf States Accept a New Normal in Hormuz: Iran Is in Control
Some of the world’s largest energy exporters dislike the emerging deal to reopen the waterway but fear going back to war would be worse.
Gulf states are accepting a new reality where Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil and gas exports and global energy supplies indefinitely. While they fear war would be worse, the conflict has given Iran more power and left the region with few options to counter it. Gulf officials acknowledge the agreement to open the strait, formalizing Iranian oversight of inbound ships, as preferable to military action between the U.S. and Iran, which would risk their energy infrastructure.
Negotiations to release energy shipments through Hormuz have stalled, with Iran demanding financial relief and blocking American and Israeli warships. Attacks on Gulf ships have increased, and alternatives like red sea pipelines and storage facilities are being explored. However, these measures have not fully mitigated Iran's veto power over Hormuz.
The situation highlights a major strategic setback from the war launched in February, with oil exports through the strait falling to 2.2 million barrels a day, down from 8.5 million barrels a month ago.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
