Will negotiations put an end to the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz? A month after the announcement of a ceasefire, and following two weeks of a dual blockade by both Iran and the US, Donald Trump sought to reopen the strait by force. On Monday 4 May, he launched ‘Project Freedom’, intended to provide a military escort for ships, but which was only active for half a day. The White House justifies this U-turn by citing “significant progress” in negotiations with Tehran. Whilst Iran continues to demand a complete cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon where Israel is still conducting operations, Donald Trump deemed it “very possible” to reach an agreement, whilst threatening Tehran with bombing should it refuse. The White House occupant is attempting to extricate himself from this war, which is a failure on every front: due to the oil crisis it has triggered, the growing discontent among Americans over rising fuel prices, not to mention the Iranian regime, which remains firmly in place.

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