Hormuz Deal on the Cards? Trump Could Ease Iran Nuclear Pressure to End Strait Crisis

Washington: A major diplomatic signal has emerged amid the ongoing conflict between America and Iran. US President Donald Trump may consider scaling back his demands for an end to the conflict with Iran and a nuclear deal if Tehran reopens the strategically important Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, according to reports.

The Wall Street Journal report quoted American officials as saying that the Trump administration's focus has now shifted from Iran's nuclear programme to restoring maritime traffic in Hormuz. This route is important for America because the sea oil and LNG trade of a large part of the world passes through this route.

Why did opening Hormuz become the biggest issue for Trump?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route located between Iran and Oman. Its length is about 167 kilometres, while its width in different parts ranges from 39 to 97 kilometres. Its role in global energy supply is extremely important.

Between 2023 and 2025, about a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade and about a fifth of global LNG trade will pass through this route. This is the reason why the impact of long-term stoppage of movement here will not be limited only to Iran or America but can also affect the world's energy market.

What conditions has Iran set for opening Hormuz?

Iran has put forward several conditions for reopening the strait. These include lifting the naval blockade of Iranian ports, ending sanctions, unconditionally releasing Iranian assets stored abroad and providing compensation for losses incurred during the war.

Tehran's stance is clear that unless its demands are accepted, there is no question of opening Hormuz as a normal sea route.

What did IRGC say?

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps i.e. IRGC reiterated its stance on Sunday also. According to the organisation, Hormuz will not be opened until America accepts all the conditions of Iran.

The Iranian side no longer considers it just a normal waterway. According to him, in the current circumstances, Hormuz itself has become an important front of war. It is clear from this that Tehran is in no mood to reduce its strategic pressure at present.

Can America withdraw from nuclear deal?

According to the report, the US administration is realising that it is becoming difficult to carry forward negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear programme. In such a situation, Washington's priority now seems to be to restore normal ship movement in Hormuz.

If Iran agrees to open the strait, the Trump administration can move toward ending the conflict. This may also create a possibility of softening of American demands related to the nuclear deal.

However, no such formal agreement has been reached yet. Differences remain between the two countries on many important issues.

Why does Trump hope for an agreement?

Trump indicated on Sunday that he was not completely disappointed about talks with Iran. He said that America is currently monitoring the situation and is not making much noise about talks.

Trump also mentioned Iran's poor economic condition and rising inflation. He believes that amidst the economic pressure, a solution can eventually be found. He compared the current situation to a game of chess and indicated that America is moving forward strategically rather than hastily.

At present the biggest question is whether Iran and America will be able to reach any agreement in exchange for opening Hormuz? If this happens, it can not only change the course of the war, but can also provide great relief to the international oil and gas market.