US wants future Iran talks focused on nuclear program, not Hormuz - #CNN

The Trump administration wants any future negotiations with Tehran to focus on Iran’s nuclear program rather than reopening the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported Sunday, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

A US official told CNN that Washington’s current position is that it will only negotiate with Iran over the nuclear file, while Tehran has signaled to regional players that it would be open to nuclear talks once the dispute over the strait is resolved, including the lifting of the US blockade.

Oman has been working on a regional framework to reopen the waterway, with possible fees for tanker traffic remaining a major sticking point. CNN reported that opposition among some Gulf and European officials to new arrangements has softened in recent months.

US officials have reviewed Oman’s proposals but have not publicly endorsed the framework, according to CNN. American officials say US forces currently have the military upper hand in the strait, though questions remain over how long Washington can sustain the scale of its escort operations.