Vance says US-Iran conflict remains in 'midgame', US military 'seeks exit', Iran sets 'six conditions for reopening the strait'
U.S. Vice President Vance described the U.S.-Iran conflict as being in the "mid-game," stating the U.S. is utilizing diplomatic, economic, and military tools, with a focus on increasing oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine is reportedly seeking an "exit" privately, expressing concerns that airstrikes alone are insufficient to achieve objectives and that further escalation carries significant risks. He highlighted critical ammunition shortages for key missile defense systems.
In response, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Zolgadr, presented six conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz: a U.S. pledge never to threaten Iran, an end to aggression against Iran and its allies, withdrawal of forces from the region, war reparations, lifting of all sanctions, and the unconditional unfreezing of Iranian assets. These demands, seen as a high bar set by hardliners, contrast with more pragmatic requests made in backchannel talks, which focus on lifting the blockade, restoring oil sanctions waivers, and accessing frozen funds.
While Iran and Oman are close to a technical agreement on a temporary shipping lane, Iran clarified this does not equate to a full reopening of the strait, which remains contingent on U.S. meeting its conditions. Attacks on commercial vessels in the area continue, with recent incidents attributed to Iran. Despite pauses in military action and expressions of openness to talks from both sides, negotiations are currently stalled over Iran's economic demands and U.S. insistence on freedom of navigation.
marsbit25m ago