Attempt to break through without the US fails: 'Hormuz Summit' canceled at the last moment

The Hormuz Summit, intended to advance a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to regular tanker traffic, was canceled at the last moment. Representatives from Iran and the Gulf states were scheduled to meet in Oman, but the Omani foreign minister announced the postponement. The US was not expected to participate, and the Trump administration has made clear it is not interested in discussing the strait's future, only the nuclear issue.

The Hormuz Summit, intended to advance a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to regular tanker traffic, was canceled at the last moment. Representatives from Iran and the Gulf states were scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday) in Oman, but the Omani foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, announced the postponement "to ensure agreements." The United States was not expected to participate; the Trump administration has made clear it is not interested in discussing the strait's future, only the nuclear issue. Iran, on the other hand, signaled it would be willing to discuss the nuclear issue only after a solution for the strait is found, including the lifting of the American blockade. The Omani framework includes the possibility of voluntary payments in exchange for navigation safety and environmental protection services, as a compromise on the Iranian demand to collect tolls. The demand for tolls has faced opposition, but the firm stance has softened after months of disruptions and a surge in energy prices. Among the countries involved in the talks: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. Bahrain announced it would not participate as long as its diplomatic relations with Iran are not renewed. Meanwhile, a vessel was hit while passing through the strait today, an incident that led to a fire and evacuation of the crew; Tehran reported one dead and four wounded on an Iranian commercial vessel. President Trump was asked about the planned meeting and replied: "I don't care. It's up to them. In the end, we'll leave," adding: "Unless we decide to stay and keep the oil, like in Venezuela."