Hormuz Uncertainty Casts Shadow Over US-Iran Ceasefire in Gulf Region

US and Iran Agree on Two-Week Truce in Gulf Region

A two-week truce has been agreed upon between the United States and Iran in the Gulf region, following a month of escalating tensions. The agreement was announced by US President Donald Trump late Tuesday evening, just hours after he had imposed a deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports, the truce will be conditional on maritime transit resuming in the vital waterway, which is a critical route for the transportation of oil and natural liquefied gas. The Strait of Hormuz accounts for 20% of global shipments.

Iran had brought traffic through the chokepoint to a near standstill since February 28, following joint US-Israeli attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that passage over the two weeks will only be possible “in coordination” with the Iranian military.

Experts say Gulf nations remain wary that the US may agree to terms that grant Iran some control over the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a fragile truce. Hesham Alghannam, a scholar at the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, noted that there is “a quiet but palpable concern” among Gulf states about the potential implications of such an agreement.

The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have welcomed the ceasefire, but emphasized the need for a permanent and long-term arrangement to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. They have expressed concerns that any deal could lead to Iranian control over the waterway, which would pose a significant threat to their energy security.

US President Trump has also proposed the idea of a joint US-Iran venture to set up tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, but the White House later clarified that this is not a priority at present.

Source: Al Jazeera