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Geopolitics · Middle East Conflict · Oil Prices · Strait Of Hormuz
Hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz collapsed before President Trump's Tuesday-night deadline, leading to U.S. preparations for strikes on Iranian bridges and power plants, signaling a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict.
Negotiators expressed pessimism regarding Iran's willingness to meet Trump's demands, as reported by Dow Jones. Trump has a documented history of issuing ultimatums, threatening military action, and then executing strikes, a pattern Iranian officials anticipate will recur.
Iran rejected a U.S. cease-fire proposal, citing Washington's maximalist concessions, including on nuclear work. U.S. officials acknowledge a substantial gap in positions, while Iranian officials expect continued U.S. and Israeli attacks on their country and senior leaders, even if negotiations proceed.
The Iranian regime views its survival as paramount and leverages the Strait of Hormuz's closure for global economic pressure. Escalation poses significant risks for the U.S., including hardening Iran's resolve, prolonging the strait's shutdown, and depleting high-end munitions.
President Trump seeks to end the war, recognizing public fatigue and Republican concerns about rising gas prices impacting November's midterm elections. Iran faces devastating U.S. and Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, further weakening its leadership and a struggling economy.
Mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan are involved, focusing outreach on Ahmed Vahidi, the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
