Can Gulf states and Iran negotiate the Strait of Hormuz without the U.S.?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-13T23:36:24.266Z • Permanent link

High-level talks between Iran and Gulf states have been postponed, dealing a significant blow to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Oman, a key mediator in the talks, announced the postponement shortly before the scheduled meeting was set to take place. Diplomats from both sides have been engaged in intense negotiations, with Iran pushing for guarantees on the security of the waterway and Gulf states seeking assurances that the U.S. will not be drawn into any conflict.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been a key figure in the talks, emphasizing the need for tangible security guarantees to prevent any potential U.S. involvement in the region. Khamenei's comments have been echoed by Iranian officials, who have warned of severe consequences if the U.S. were to intervene in the Strait. Meanwhile, Gulf states have been working behind the scenes to rally international support for their position, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar playing key roles in the negotiations.

Omani officials have stated that the talks were postponed due to "unforeseen circumstances" and that the parties would reconvene at a later date. Diplomats from both sides have expressed optimism that the talks can still yield a breakthrough, but the postponement has raised concerns about the ability of Gulf states and Iran to negotiate without U.S. involvement.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint in global oil trade, with over 20% of the world's oil passing through the waterway. Any disruption to the Strait could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, with oil prices potentially skyrocketing and markets plunging. Companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron have significant interests in the region, and any instability could impact their operations and profitability.

The implications of the talks extending beyond the Strait of Hormuz are also significant, with the potential for a broader conflict between Iran and Gulf states having major implications for regional stability. Research communities and policymakers are keenly watching the situation, with many experts warning of the potential for miscalculations and unintended consequences. The U.S. has a vested interest in the outcome, with its military presence in the region and its commitment to defending its allies.

The current tensions between Iran and Gulf states are part of a larger pattern of regional instability, with the U.S. having withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was a landmark agreement that limited Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. The U.S. withdrawal led to a significant escalation of tensions, with Iran's nuclear program resuming and the region becoming increasingly unstable.