The Strait of Hormuz measures 39 kilometres wide, with its central route closed due to mines. Iran rejected a UN International Maritime Organization proposal for a southern lane in Omani waters overseen by the US Joint Maritime Information Centre. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Iran and Washington on 18 June.
“Iran is jealously competing with Oman as decision-maker over strait of Hormuz”
Read at The Guardian →No center sources covered this
“The Hormuz Strait Drone Attack and the Folly of Negotiating with Iran”
Read at National Review →Iran’s rejection reflects resistance to US efforts to dominate the Strait via Oman and the Joint Maritime Information Centre.
“US institutional leverage and sanctions pressure sidelining Iranian sovereignty.”
Iran’s rejection shows determination to maintain unilateral control rather than accept cooperative arrangements.
“Value of US partnerships to counter Iranian ambitions and protect free navigation.”
State actors compete to restrict voluntary commercial movement through a strategic chokepoint.
“Expansion of territorial and bureaucratic authority at the expense of open navigation.”
All three views overlook the June memorandum and fail to verify mine details or jurisdictional asymmetry.
“Shared premise that the issue is solely about who decides ignores basic operational questions.”
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