US Foreign Policy Struggles in the Middle East

The panel on The Great Game discusses United States foreign policy challenges in the Middle East, characterizing President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts as being stuck in 'Groundhog Day.' The analysts examine indirect US-Iran negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, noting Tehran's refusal to concede without changes in US policy. The conversation also covers Houthi strikes on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and their severe impact on global oil supplies. Finally, the experts analyze Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of a Trump-proposed peace plan for the Gaza Strip, concluding that these overlapping regional stalemates reflect a broader decline in Western geopolitical influence.

The United States, Iran, and Oman are engaged in indirect negotiations to reach an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime shipping. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would manage incoming traffic and Oman would oversee outbound traffic, with transit fees temporarily suspended to facilitate mine clearance. While U.S. sources have suggested a 60-day deal is impending, Iranian media has publicly stipulated that the strait will not reopen until the U.S. rectifies its behavior and ceases aggression.