Kuwait and Qatar ramp up oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has abandoned the terms of the June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, complicating diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Wall Street Journal. The administration's refusal to adhere to the June agreement has significantly hindered the process of restarting negotiations.

Following Iran's recent attacks on ships in the strait, Trump initiated his "Economic D-Day" campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, in an attempt to impose unprecedented economic warfare and isolation. However, Trump has expressed no interest in revisiting the MoU, which has been widely criticized as too lenient towards Iran.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed that no talks or scheduled conversations are taking place with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the naval blockade remains in full force. Iranian hardliners' insistence on recognizing Iranian authority over the strait and removing US warships from the area have made it challenging for Trump to achieve a foreign policy victory.

Regional mediators, including representatives from Pakistan and Oman, have attempted to sway Iran's demands but have seen little progress. Oman and Qatar have recently met with Iranian officials, with mixed results. Oman reportedly reached an agreement that would lead to talks to reopen the Hormuz, but the White House remains dissatisfied, believing Muscat gave too much ground to Tehran.

Iran has vowed heavy retaliation if the US departs from the June MoU terms, threatening to escalate tensions and conduct military attacks if diplomacy fails.