Iran-Gulf Meeting Postponed Over Hormuz Impasse as 6 Months of War Expose U.S. Shield
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 15
Iran-Gulf Meeting Postponed Over Hormuz Impasse as 6 Months of War Expose U.S. Shield
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 15
Summary
A Monday meeting between Iran and Gulf Arab states was abruptly postponed after Saudi Arabia and Iran hit an impasse over the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Gulf official said.
Six months of war have pushed Gulf states to seek new security options because U.S. bases they host failed to deter repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Iran and allied forces have nearly destroyed some U.S. bases, set luxury hotels on fire and recently knocked offline a major Saudi oil pipeline.
The delayed talks underscore a broader Gulf shift toward mixing direct diplomacy with Iran and reduced reliance on an American security umbrella exposed as vulnerable.
With Trump threatening heavy strikes, will Iran's controversial demand for shipping fees derail the fragile Oman talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz?
As war-risk insurance skyrockets, could a temporary shipping deal in Oman actually worsen the global energy crisis by legitimizing proxy blockades?
Can a new Saudi-led coalition secure global shipping, or will Houthi control of key islands permanently cripple the Red Sea trade route?
Strait of Hormuz Blockade 2026: Oil Shock, Regional Realignment, and the Collapse of US-Gulf Security
Overview
The 2026 Gulf crisis began with US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, leading to Iranian retaliation and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The US responded with a naval blockade, but a brief June ceasefire allowed temporary economic recovery before collapsing over unresolved disputes and renewed attacks. By September, Houthi forces, backed by Iran, seized key Red Sea positions and, along with pipeline shutdowns, triggered a double-blockade that sent global oil prices soaring. These shocks forced Gulf states to rethink security alliances and pursue direct diplomacy with Iran, culminating in the fractured Muscat Summit as regional unity faltered.