The American Concession, the Iranian Threat – and the Wait for Mojtaba: 'Communication with Him Is Difficult'

Gulf sources report that the US has dropped its demand for full control of the Strait of Hormuz, and that a draft agreement between Iran and Oman is ready, pending approval by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Iran has threatened to attack critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf in response to any American strike. Trump expects a deal within 48 hours, but sources estimate a 50-50 chance of completion by Friday.

Gulf sources told Reuters that the US has made a significant concession regarding Iran's demands for control of the Strait of Hormuz, and that the draft agreement between Iran and Oman is ready and awaiting approval by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. According to an AP report, the parties have finished preparing the draft, which would allow the strait to be reopened, but not all details have been completed regarding the definition of control. The interim agreement is expected to include entry of ships into the Gulf via a route under Iranian control and exit via a route under Omani control, while collecting "service fees." Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing five sources, that Iran warned Gulf states that any American attack on its territory would lead to a response against critical energy infrastructure in the region. The threat was conveyed after Trump threatened to strike Iranian energy facilities on July 28, a threat he backed away from following Saudi pressure. Trump said "we will know within 48 hours," and a senior official told CNN there is a 50-50 chance the deal will be reached by Friday. An Iranian official told Al Jazeera that only one or two issues remain unresolved. The Houthis attacked a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

The American Concession, the Iranian Threat – and the Wait for Mojtaba: 'Communication with Him Is Difficult'