The untenable status quo in the Strait of Hormuz that has prevailed since the pause of high-tempo combat operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 8 is coming apart.
The diplomatic track is proving to be a cul-de-sac. This weekend, Donald Trump rejected the latest Iranian proposal for a long-term peace deal, the details of which are disputed (even by Iranian officials). The latest Iranian overture was described by those familiar with it as a softening of the Islamic Republic’s posture — possibly a reflection of the immense strain the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports has placed on the regime. But Tehran continues to insist on preserving its right to enrich uranium, the total withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, and significant sanctions relief in exchange for withdrawing from the strait. Trump said no.
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