Oman-led Hormuz talks collapse as Iran factions clash over escalation vs. economic survival
A planned multilateral meeting in Muscat, Oman, to negotiate a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz collapsed after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies refused to endorse Iran’s transit proposal. The failure has intensified internal divisions in Tehran between hardliners demanding military escalation and moderates prioritizing economic survival, while the US insists any shipping deal must be tied to nuclear concessions.