Alan El of the Middle East Institute said an agreement is not guaranteed, but if
one is reached Oman and Gulf Cooperation Council states could accept Iran
charging a symbolic transit fee for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, at
least initially. He said the Trump administration would likely agree to such
terms to cut losses and withdraw, framing the deal as an Iranian pledge not to
pursue nuclear weapons. The most realistic outcome, he added, would see Iran
obtain short-term administrative control of the strait as part of an arrangement
with Oman and GCC states.
