Iran believes it can outlast the US in negotiations to reopen the Strait of
Hormuz, citing strong internal backing for talks and patience over unmet
commitments on frozen assets and maritime restrictions. President Pezeshkian
told negotiators 12 of 13 national security council members support
negotiations, exceeding the threshold set by Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei.
Parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf has expressed frustration at what Tehran
describes as US flip‑flopping — "raising issues, then withdrawing them" —
delaying delivery on asset unfreezing and easing of sea blockades. Iran says it
is less time‑pressured than Washington, pointing to US midterm election, oil
price and inflation pressures, and called the standoff a "cat‑and‑mouse game" to
see who blinks first. Tehran is using talks with Oman to signal goodwill while
pressing Washington to make the first move.
