Vance says US weighing safe Hormuz route as Iran talks continue

US weighs safe passage plan for Hormuz

Washington is exploring options to establish a safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, US Vice President JD Vance said on Saturday, even as he cautioned that negotiations with Tehran remain difficult and unpredictable.

Speaking to reporters, Vance indicated that the administration is examining practical measures to ensure the continued flow of commercial traffic through the strategic waterway, which has been disrupted by the ongoing US-Iran conflict. He did not provide specific details on what a safe route would entail or how it would be enforced.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, with a significant portion of the world's crude passing through its waters. Any disruption has immediate ripple effects on energy markets and international shipping.

'Messy' talks with 'crazy radicals'

Vance described the ongoing negotiations with Iran as 'messy', acknowledging that the process is complicated by factions on both sides. He referred to 'crazy radicals who want the war to continue', a remark aimed at hardliners who oppose a diplomatic resolution.

The Vice President's comments suggest that while the US is committed to talks, the path to a deal is far from smooth. He reportedly said the US is in the 'middle of the game', indicating that the situation remains fluid and that a breakthrough is not imminent.

His assessment aligns with earlier statements from US officials who have stressed that negotiations are ongoing but have not yet yielded a comprehensive agreement. The tone suggests that Washington is preparing the public for a protracted process.

Iran reiterates demands amid 'some progress'

Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated its core demands in the negotiations, though the specifics have not been publicly detailed. Reports suggest that Tehran is seeking guarantees on sanctions relief and security assurances, but neither side has confirmed the exact terms on the table.

Despite the challenges, there are indications of 'some progress' in the talks, according to reports citing Vance. This cautious optimism is tempered by the reality that significant gaps remain between the two sides.

Analysts note that the safe Hormuz route proposal could be a confidence-building measure, aimed at reducing tensions and demonstrating that both sides are committed to de-escalation. However, the mechanics of such a route, including who would patrol it and how it would be monitored, remain unclear.

What to watch next

With Vance signalling that negotiations will be difficult, the coming weeks are likely to see intense diplomatic activity. The focus will be on whether the safe Hormuz route can be operationalised and whether Iran's demands can be met without derailing the broader talks.

Observers will also watch for signals from Tehran on whether it views the US proposal as a genuine step or a stalling tactic. For now, the world waits to see if the 'messy' process can produce a tangible outcome.