David Petraeus, former CIA director, stated that Iran may be reconsidering its stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the UBS Asian Investment Conference, Petraeus indicated that a successful peace agreement with Iran could lead to the Strait being opened without conditions. He emphasized that Iran should not control traffic, charge tolls, or threaten future closures of the Strait.
Petraeus's comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about ongoing negotiations to end the conflict with Iran and reopen the Strait. However, he cautioned that Tehran's insistence on maintaining an enriched uranium stockpile and imposing tolls for passage presents significant challenges to the peace talks.
Petraeus noted that while Iran's military capabilities have been weakened, it still poses a threat to commercial shipping in the Strait through potential mining or attacks using drones and fast boats. He also highlighted the need to address broader issues, including Iran's nuclear program and its support for groups like Hezbollah, although he expressed uncertainty about the timeline for resolving these matters.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned in New Delhi that a deal could be reached soon, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy before considering other options.