US Commander Urged Halt to Hormuz Strikes; Iran and Oman in Talks to Reopen Strait
Top US Mideast commander Brad Cooper recommended pausing strikes on the Strait of Hormuz after objectives were met and interceptor supplies ran low, a factor in Trump’s decision to halt. Iran and Oman are now negotiating to reopen the strategic waterway amid a fragile calm.
A top US military commander in the Middle East, General Brad Cooper, advised a halt to strikes on the Strait of Hormuz, citing that mission objectives had been achieved and that supplies of interceptors were depleted. This recommendation played a role in former President Trump’s decision to pause military action, according to an Axios report.
Following the lull, Iran and Oman have begun negotiations aimed at reopening the critical chokepoint, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass. The talks are taking place amid what is described as a fragile calm, with no immediate resumption of hostilities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint for energy markets; any sustained de-escalation could reduce the geopolitical risk premium on crude prices. However, the situation is delicate, and market participants are closely watching for further developments.
Source: First Squawk