Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 09:45 IST
The fragile truce in the Gulf unraveled as Donald Trump rejected the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tehran, effectively ending the 60‑day ceasefire framework. In a sharp escalation, Washington claimed it had established operational control over the Strait of Hormuz, deploying naval assets to secure shipping lanes and asserting dominance over one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.
Iran denounced the move as a violation of sovereignty, warning that U.S. claims of control amounted to an occupation of international waters. Gulf states expressed alarm at the breakdown of talks, with Oman previously a mediator now sidelined after Trump accused Muscat of obstructing negotiations. Energy markets reacted immediately, with crude prices spiking on fears of prolonged disruption.
The collapse of the MoU underscores the widening gulf between Washington and Tehran:
Iran insists sanctions relief must precede any maritime security deal, while the U.S. demands an end to proxy attacks and unrestricted monitoring of shipping. Analysts caution that the U.S. declaration of control over Hormuz risks drawing in regional powers and escalating the conflict beyond the negotiating table.
(Source – Al Jazeera)
—Agencies
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