Trump Under Pressure as Iran Gains Leverage
US President Donald Trump is facing growing domestic pressure to bring an increasingly unpopular conflict with Iran to an end as his approval ratings continue to fall. Despite military setbacks, Tehran has strengthened its negotiating position through its ability to disrupt traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for around a fifth of global oil supplies.
Iran has largely closed the strait, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held talks in both Oman and Pakistan on regional security and proposed the creation of a new security framework without outside interference. The discussions also covered a new legal regime for the Strait of Hormuz, compensation and the lifting of the blockade. Araqchi is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump canceled a planned diplomatic trip, citing costs and the absence of an Iranian offer. Tehran has refused to negotiate under pressure and insists that the blockade must be lifted first.
Disputes between Washington and Tehran also include Iran’s support for Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as its missile program.
The conflict is further destabilizing the Middle East. Iran has launched attacks in the Persian Gulf and in Lebanon, while Israeli strikes on Sunday alone left 14 people dead and 37 wounded.