“Even if this is true, it has to be with the approval of Iran”: Waiel Awwad on Trump’s Hormuz oil claim
Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad suggests any oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz likely requires Iranian approval despite Trump's claims.
Foreign affairs specialist Waiel Awwad has cast doubt on the implications of US President Donald Trump's recent assertions regarding oil movement in the Strait of Hormuz. Commenting on the President's claim that unprecedented amounts of oil have been moved through the strategic waterway, Awwad noted that such passage is fundamentally tied to Iranian consent.
The Reality of Passage in the Strait
Speaking to ANI, Awwad highlighted the logistical reality of the Strait of Hormuz. He pointed out that commercial vessels are required to obtain permission from Iranian guards to navigate the area. Therefore, any surge in oil movement, even if the figures cited by the US President are accurate, would likely imply that Iran has granted the necessary clearance.
“Even if this is true, it has to be with the approval of Iran, because Iran has already made it a condition of passage from this one that every ship, commercial ship, has to pass, has to take the permission from the Iranian guards,” Awwad stated. He added that vessels are only permitted to proceed when they have received consent from Iranian authorities.
Diplomatic Maneuvers at the UN
The discussion also touched upon recent high-level diplomatic activities at the United Nations General Assembly. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been actively engaging with various stakeholders to navigate the ongoing crisis. According to Awwad, Tehran has signaled a willingness to end the blockade, provided certain conditions are met.
- The Seven-Point Proposal: Iran has presented a seven-point plan to the United States as a prerequisite for halting the blockade.
- Diplomatic Shuttle: Araghchi has been involved in intense "diplomatic shuttling" between different UN corridors to find a resolution.
- US Stance: The US has reportedly seized Iranian shores, which has complicated the movement of commercial ships.
While Awwad noted that Araghchi has been working with various intermediaries to ease tensions, he expressed significant skepticism regarding a successful breakthrough.
A Murky Outlook for West Asia
Despite the active diplomacy, Awwad remains pessimistic about a resolution. He attributed this to the rigid stance maintained by the United States regarding sanctions and its current blockade policies. He suggested that the US administration appears satisfied with the current pressure, which may inadvertently worsen the situation.
“I wouldn't be very optimistic about the outcome of this discussion because the US is adamant about its own policy,” Awwad remarked, suggesting that the current approach might be turning West Asia into a deeper "quagmire."
Trump's Claims and Iranian Warnings
The expert's comments follow a statement made by President Trump at the White House. Following a meeting with technology executives, Trump claimed that Iran would eventually "give up" and asserted that the US had facilitated more oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days than at any other time in history.
The tension in the region remains high, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issuing a stern warning to the United States and other nations. Ghalibaf emphasized that if Iran's national security is not guaranteed, "no infrastructure will be safe."