Qatar University scholar Al‑Eteibi said Gulf states are alarmed Iran may demand
compensation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and that Tehran treats talks with
Oman over navigation as an extension of bargaining with the US. He warned Iran
could accept frozen-asset releases in exchange for transit now and press for
additional payments later, creating open-ended demands that would erode trust
and navigation security. Al‑Eteibi urged restoration of direct US‑Iran talks to
seek a compromise on asset unfreezing and strait management. Gulf states, he
said, welcome progress in Iran‑Oman negotiations but have very limited options
if Tehran insists on compensation; they are unwilling to use force and say they
can only act in self‑defense. Iran said an Oman-mediated agreement is imminent
but that reopening depends on Washington accepting Tehran’s conditions,
including compensation. Given Gulf oil and gas exports’ heavy reliance on the
Strait, the impasse leaves regional exporters exposed.
