Six months into Iran war, Hormuz reopening hinges on talks

Six months after the US-Israel war on Iran began, the conflict shows no sign of ending, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the central flashpoint. The waterway, which once carried about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, has seen traffic collapse from over 100 vessels a day to just five, disrupting global energy markets and shipping. Source: Al Jazeera Source: CNBC

Diplomatic push

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday to revive talks between Washington and Tehran, following similar visits by Pakistani and Omani officials. Source: Al Jazeera Iran and Oman have been negotiating a temporary shipping corridor, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards claiming an agreement on sharing the strait's waters and revenues. However, a senior Iranian source said no final deal has been reached. Source: CNA Iran insists the strait will not reopen unless the US meets its conditions, including lifting sanctions. Source: SCMP

US stance and military strain

President Donald Trump said he is in "no hurry" to resume talks, asserting that economic and military pressure are working. Source: Al Jazeera The US has shifted to economic sanctions, but the war has drained military budgets, with the navy reportedly raiding payroll accounts to fund operations. Source: The Guardian Meanwhile, a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile in the strait, underscoring ongoing risks. Source: AP News

What's next

Experts question whether the strait can be safely reopened, noting that demining requires Iranian cooperation and that declarations alone won't restore confidence. Source: CNN Oil prices have fallen on hopes of a deal, but analysts caution that shortages persist. Source: CNA