Control of the Strait: "Each has its own say": Trump declares to "take" Hormuz, while Iran states it has reached an agreement with Oman on a passage plan.

After U.S. President Trump threatened to soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory, Iran announced on the 15th that it has reached an agreement with Oman regarding the navigation of the Strait of Hormuz. According to China Central Television (CCTV) news, on August 15 local time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei announced that despite U.S. obstruction, talks between Iran and Oman are progressing positively, and the two sides have reached an agreement on a navigation plan for the Strait of Hormuz. However, regarding control of the strait, both Iran and the U.S. continue to speak from different viewpoints. Meanwhile, Trump's earlier comments about replacing the current deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier stationed in the Middle East, with a successor ship have also come to light. Iran Claims Agreement with Oman on Strait Navigation, U.S. Interference According to the latest statement from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei on the 15th, the talks between Iran and Oman are still advancing actively, and an agreement on the navigation plan for the Strait of Hormuz has been reached. Baghaei further emphasized in the statement that the U.S. has been obstructing the discussions of the relevant agreements between Iran and Oman. In fact, Iran has repeatedly reported on the progress of discussions regarding the navigation of the strait with Oman and has stressed that there has been no involvement from the U.S. side in these talks. What is the New Navigation Route Like? According to previous reports from the Iranian side regarding the discussions, the new navigation model differs from the practices of the past 60 years: The southern route through Omani territorial waters and the northern route located in Iranian territorial waters will both be closed. Some segments of the commercial shipping routes into and out of the Strait of Hormuz will be required to pass through Iranian waters. The new route is temporary and is expected to be in use for two to four months. According to Bloomberg, Iran's state news agency Defa Press quoted Baghaei as saying that the finalization of the shipping chart is part of a broader agreement aimed at preserving the sovereignty of both countries and ensuring safe passage for vessels. However, the news agency did not specify whether vessels would need to pay tolls or disclose specific security arrangements, stating that further negotiations would be held. Agreement Reopening of the Strait, Iran Draws a Line It is worth noting that reaching an agreement does not mean that the strait will reopen immediately. On the 15th, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif clearly stated on his Telegram channel, These are two separate matters. The reopening of the strait depends on other conditions that the U.S. must fulfill. According to Bloomberg reports, he also stated clearly, We have not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the U.S. CCTV news reported that Zarif has previously pointed out that the U.S. has violated the U.S.-Iran understanding memorandum and that hostilities have reignited, claiming that there is no such thing as an extended ceasefire agreement. Qatar and Pakistan are still relaying information, but this does not mean negotiations. Trump Claims the Strait Will Become U.S. Territory, Iran Responds Strongly Just a day before Iran announced the agreement, Trump, while speaking in Long Island, New York, stated that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is a steel wall, which allows Washington to effectively control the Strait of Hormuz. He went on to say, Very soon I will declare the Strait of Hormuz to be U.S. territory. According to CCTV news, he chuckled slightly when making this statement and added, This is true. Trump also stated in an interview with Fox News that the U.S. plans to severely impact the Iranian economy and does not care whether the conflict ends before the November mid-term elections. In response to Trump's remarks, Iran issued a strong rebuttal on August 15. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Jalali stated, The Strait of Hormuz has been, is, and will be Iranian. The opening and closing of this strait can only be controlled by Iran. He further stated, The Strait of Hormuz cannot be taken by a tweet, a decree, or a speech. Iranian Judiciary Chief Ejei stated that Trumps relevant comments stem entirely from his personal delusions, asserting that Iran has proven on a military level that the Strait of Hormuz is an inseparable part of Iranian territory and sovereignty. The Power Play Behind: Both Sides Have Leverage, No One Can Dominate Middle Eastern affairs expert Wang Jin analyzed in an interview with CCTV that a situation has formed between the U.S. and Iran that seems to be one of mutual dominance, yet neither side can monopolize it. He pointed out that Iran's leverage lies in its geographic advantagecapable of controlling ships entering and exiting the strait; the U.S.'s leverage lies in its naval strengthcapable of enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports and vessels around the strait. Wang Jin believes there is a fundamental contradiction in the demands from both sides: the U.S. wants the strait to return to the status it had before the conflict broke out on February 28, while Iran demands that the U.S. recognize Iran's leading position regarding the strait, which is something the U.S. cannot accept. Therefore, he expects that the power play regarding the strait will continue for a long time. Attacks Continue, Oil Prices Surge The attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have not ceased due to the negotiations. Data from the International Maritime Organization show that as of August 11, around 65 vessel attacks have been confirmed during the conflict period in the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East, resulting in 17 seafarer deaths. Subsequent attacks have continued. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Saturday that a bulk carrier's hull was hit by a projectile. According to the UAE official news agency WAM, two vessels of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, with another vessel being struck on Friday night. As a result, Brent crude surged nearly 6% this week. U.S. Navy Carrier Relay, USS Lincoln About to Rotate Out Meanwhile, the U.S. military presence in the Middle East continues to undergo adjustments. According to CCTV news, Trump confirmed on the 14th that the long-deployed USS Lincoln would be replaced. Reports on the 15th indicated that the USS George Washington would take the place of the Lincoln, further maintaining the maritime blockade against Iran. The USS Lincoln has been on this deployment for nearly nine months and has not docked for 250 consecutive days. Reports indicate that the harsh conditions and the psychological stress on the sailors have reached a critical point, with multiple incidents of sailors attempting suicide by jumping overboard during the deployment. Military spouse Annabella Loma stated that her husband had attempted to jump overboard after his time at sea was continuously extended. Other sailor family members mentioned that their husbands had prevented a sailor from jumping overboard, pulling him back onto the deck. The U.S. Central Command and Defense Secretary Esper denied these negative reports. This is the second carrier relay operation the U.S. military has conducted in the Middle East since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Previously, the USS Gerald Ford returned to Norfolk, Virginia on May 16, setting a record for the longest continuous deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War, operating for 326 days. The USS George H.W. Bush, which succeeded the Ford, has currently been on task at sea for over four months. If the Lincoln's return home takes long enough, it may break the record set by the Ford. This article is reproduced from Wall Street Watch, edited by GMTEight: Li Fo.