Ali Akbar Dareini, a researcher at the Iranian Strategic Studies Center, stated that Iran and Oman are about to reach an agreement on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, with the main obstacle being U.S. pressure on Oman to adopt a position more aligned with Washington. Dareini emphasized that Iran considers future control of the strait crucial for its national security. In recent months, the U.S. has conducted strikes against Iran, which Iran claims were launched from bases in the region. Dareini noted that the ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman present the U.S. with a 'good opportunity to extricate itself from this quagmire' by recognizing Iran and Oman as the countries that will determine the 'future' of the Strait of Hormuz. 'However, the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war status,' he continued. 'The geopolitical landscape of the region has changed.'