Abas Aslani, senior researcher at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies,
said recent US and Iranian rhetoric and actions produced a period of
volatility—days ago markets expected a major escalation; now observers are
discussing a possible Strait of Hormuz agreement. He noted a disconnect: the
sides were exchanging threats until recently, and although both report progress,
we are not there yet. Aslani said the pact would be a useful first step but
would not resolve all issues; it could let Iran and the US focus on restarting a
memorandum of understanding and, if effectively implemented, move toward a final
nuclear agreement.
