Iran Proposes Joint Control of Hormuz Amid Fragile Truce and Renewed Strikes
Diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz face hurdles as military exchanges continue and Washington debates war powers.
The standoff between the United States and Iran has entered a complex phase of "strike-for-strike" pressure even as diplomatic frameworks for a truce emerge. On June 4, reports indicated a fresh exchange of military strikes between the two nations, adding significant strain to a proposal that aimed to extend a cessation of hostilities by two months and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the violence, there were signs of movement in the maritime sector as four Iranian oil tankers successfully transited the Strait for the first time since April 15.
In a shift of diplomatic strategy, Iran’s foreign minister announced that the Strait of Hormuz should be managed jointly with Oman under international law. While Tehran stated it would consult other Gulf states, it maintained that ultimate decision-making power rests with Iran and Oman. This proposal moves the conversation beyond mere transit disputes toward a broader issues of regional sovereignty. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun described a Washington-backed ceasefire framework as the "last chance" for peace, though the IRGC warned that stability is impossible as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory.
In Washington, the domestic political battle over the conflict intensified. The House of Representatives passed a symbolic measure (215-208) intended to limit President Trump’s authority to wage war against Iran without congressional approval. President Trump has dismissed the lawmakers behind the restriction. While diplomatic channels remain open through indirect links in Lebanon and Oman, the continued military friction suggests that a full de-escalation of the regional confrontation has not yet been achieved.
Key Points
- Iran proposes joint management of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, framing the waterway as a governance and sovereignty issue.
- Four Iranian oil tankers passed through the Strait for the first time since mid-April, suggesting a slight easing of the maritime blockade.
- The U.S. and Iran reportedly exchanged military strikes on June 4, threatening a fragile framework intended to extend a truce by two months.
- The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215-208 to limit President Trump’s war powers regarding Iran, a move the President has dismissed.
- Israeli operations continue in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire discussions, with the IRGC stating peace is impossible while Israeli forces remain.