Gulf countries remain on edge despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, as uncertainty continues to surround the future control and security of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The truce, announced early Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, brought temporary relief after nearly a month of escalating conflict. However, concerns linger across the Gulf region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and other neighboring states.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following U.S.-Israeli strikes, prompted Iran to severely restrict maritime traffic through the Strait—one of the world’s most critical النفط chokepoints, responsible for transporting nearly 20 percent of global oil and gas supplies. Reopening the waterway remains a central condition of the ceasefire.
Despite welcoming the pause in hostilities, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for a permanent resolution. Gulf leaders fear that in pursuit of a quick political victory, Washington might concede partial control of the Strait to Tehran—an outcome regional analysts warn could enable Iran to exert economic pressure in the future.
Adding to the controversy, President Trump floated a proposal suggesting that the United States and Iran could jointly manage and collect tolls in the Strait. The White House later clarified that the idea was preliminary, stressing that ensuring uninterrupted navigation remains the immediate priority.
Although Washington claims to have destroyed up to 90 percent of Iran’s missile capabilities, Tehran demonstrated its continued military reach by launching drone and missile strikes targeting United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia shortly after the ceasefire announcement. Bahrain and the UAE warned that their patience is not unlimited.
At the United Nations Security Council, a Bahrain-backed resolution proposing military protection for the Strait was vetoed by Russia and China, underscoring global divisions over how to secure the vital waterway.
The economic toll of the conflict has already been significant, particularly for Gulf economies reliant on trade, energy exports, and tourism. Experts warn that continued instability could further disrupt global markets.
Meanwhile, Washington’s broader objective remains unchanged: to force Iran to fully halt its nuclear program. Although Tehran has indicated a willingness to reduce uranium enrichment, it has refused to abandon it entirely. U.S. officials reiterated that there has been no shift in their position.
As diplomatic efforts continue, attention is now turning to upcoming talks in Islamabad. However, with deep mistrust on both sides and unresolved strategic concerns, prospects for a lasting solution remain uncertain.
