Esper Warns Iran-Oman Strait Deal Could Hand Tehran Control of 1 Key Oil Chokepoint
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 8
Esper Warns Iran-Oman Strait Deal Could Hand Tehran Control of 1 Key Oil Chokepoint
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 8
Summary
Mark Esper said a reported Iran-Oman arrangement to administer traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be a “very bad outcome” for the United States, as Washington waits to see whether a deal is finalized.
The former defense secretary said the plan under discussion could split passage into a northern route into the Persian Gulf and a southern route along Oman’s coast, potentially giving Tehran and Muscat operational control and possibly fee-setting power.
Iranian officials hardened their position Saturday: IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said the strait would reopen only if the US accepts Tehran’s conditions, calling the waterway a symbol of Iran’s geopolitical power.
Pressure rose after a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile 18 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman; the fire was extinguished and the crew was safe, while Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE condemned Iran and demanded the strait reopen unconditionally.
The latest attack adds to a wider shipping campaign around the chokepoint, where ADNOC said 15 of its ships have been hit by missiles or drones since late February, underscoring risks to regional trade and global energy supply.