From threats of overwhelming strikes against Iran, to an agreement that may reshape balances in the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump is heading toward a humiliating defeat in the Middle East.
The American president now appears to announce a deal that could reopen the strategic maritime passage, but the terms that are leaking raise questions, as Iran seems to secure a role in managing navigation greater than the one it had before the war.
According to information, announcements are a matter of a few days, while Trump himself appears to announce an agreement within the next 48 hours, but the leaked terms show a development that many characterize as a strategic retreat by Washington, which ends up as a simple spectator. And this because, while Trump presents the upcoming agreement as a diplomatic success that will lead to the reopening of one of the world's most important energy arteries, Iran appears to secure significant gains.
At the same time, Tehran sends a message to the American president to stop threats, insisting that any agreement must be based on respect for Iranian positions and not on pressure or intimidation.
Trump announces agreement within 48 hours
The American president was asked by journalists accompanying him to California regarding information on the agreement to reopen Hormuz.
«It is likely to happen. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow», he stated on Tuesday evening (California time). «Great progress has been made».
It is recalled that the United States and Iran had reached an agreement to open the Strait in June, but attacks returned shortly after. In recent days, Trump alternates harsh threats of massive strikes with public statements supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a solution.
The terms of the agreement
According to information from Axios, the agreement under development appears to satisfy one of Iran's main demands, providing it with a greater degree of control in managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, something that was not the case before the start of the war.
According to two regional sources, the plan provides for a temporary 60-day agreement between Oman and Iran, which will be renewable.
The main terms are as follows:
1) all ships entering the Persian Gulf will move through a northern sea lane, within Iranian territorial waters,
2) all ships exiting toward the Arabian Sea will use a southern lane, within Oman's waters, in coordination with Iran,
3) for the 60-day period, no toll or transit fees will be imposed,
4) the involved parties will proceed with clearing mines from the middle sea lane within 30 days,
5) after the completion of demining, the central lane will be used for two-way ship traffic, based on a permanent agreement that will be subject to new negotiations between Oman and Iran.
Intense diplomatic background
In addition to direct talks between Oman and Iran, officials from Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia also participated in mediation efforts, according to regional sources.
The White House had an active role in negotiations. In recent days, successive phone calls took place between Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi, and Foreign Minister of Oman Badr al-Busaidi.
Two regional sources report that Abbas Araghchi gave approval in principle last weekend, however final approval was required from the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, as well as from the country's Supreme National Security Council.
According to an American official and a regional source, the approval process by the Iranian leadership was completed on Tuesday, opening the way for the finalization of the agreement.
Iran: Stop the threats
Meanwhile, Iran launches a new attack against Trump and the US for obstacles in discussions. «As long as US interventions and threats of military attack against Iran continue, the agreement will be delayed», stated an Iranian official, according to the Tasnim news agency.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών