< formatted article >

Oil Prices Rebound as U.S. Tries to Ease Gulf Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz is back to near-normal oil traffic, with 20 million barrels passing through in the last 24 hours—a stark contrast to the chaos of recent conflicts. But Iran isn’t backing down. Its military has issued fresh warnings to foreign ships, demanding strict adherence to its rules. Meanwhile, Oman has stepped in, creating temporary shipping lanes with UN support. Since June 23, 57 ships carrying 1,100 crew members have used these routes without major incidents.

A Delicate Balancing Act in Diplomacy

The U.S. is working to reassure Gulf allies over a tentative Iran deal, with Secretary of State firmly shutting down any talk of tolls in international waters. "No one gets to tax the seas," he declared in Bahrain. Oman’s foreign minister echoed the stance, insisting future shipping rules must remain toll-free. Yet Iran has dropped a bombshell—hinting it may impose fees after the current 60-day trial period.

Back in Washington, the administration faces Republican infighting over the war’s cost and the Iran deal. Some lawmakers openly question whether the agreement aligns with the president’s original goals. A late-night Senate vote blocked an early end to the conflict, but the debate rages on. Public opinion is against the war, fueling election pressure.

The Deal’s Uncertain Future

The proposed deal promises Iran billions in reconstruction funds and sanctions relief, but critical questions linger:

• Will nuclear inspections be rigorous enough?
• What about Iran’s missile program?
• Can Hormuz shipping stay unrestricted?

Gulf states fear the funds could strengthen Iran’s military rather than rebuild the region.

Regional Tensions Persist

Half a world away, Israel and Lebanon remain locked in a dangerous standoff. Reports claimed Israel withdrew troops from southern Lebanon as a peace gesture—only for both sides to deny it. The conflict with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has dragged on since March. Tehran is pushing for a ceasefire as part of any U.S. deal. For now, the region remains on edge, waiting to see if diplomacy can hold.

--- One thing is clear: the Gulf’s future hinges on whether words can outmatch weapons.