US Seeks Nuclear Talks With Iran, Separating From Strait of Hormuz Dispute

The Trump administration intends to separate the Iranian nuclear issue from the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz in future negotiations with Tehran, according to reports. Washington currently wishes to limit discussions to the nuclear question, a U.S. official stated. Iran, meanwhile, has reportedly informed regional countries of its willingness to resume nuclear negotiations once the Strait of Hormuz crisis is resolved, particularly if U.S. blockades end.

Oman is working to establish a regional framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy trade route. Potential issues include charging passage fees for oil tankers. U.S. authorities have reviewed Oman's proposals but have not publicly supported them yet. The U.S. believes it holds a military advantage in the area, though questions remain about its ability to sustain current escort operations.

A meeting between Iran and several Gulf countries, initially planned for Monday at Oman's initiative, has been postponed. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi explained the delay was to foster consensus. These diplomatic efforts occur amid uncertainty about the conflict's future.

President Trump recently suggested hostilities could end after the November midterm elections, believing Iran could not resist much longer. However, some White House officials have privately warned the conflict could last for years, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trump continues to defend his decision to engage the U.S. in the conflict, asserting that American intervention neutralized Iran's nuclear capabilities, which he views as a major threat to Israel, the Middle East, and the U.S.