Analysts say Iran and U.S. used Hormuz pause to prepare for further confrontation

Economist Javed Hassan said China received almost two-thirds of the extra five to six million barrels per day that moved through the Strait of Hormuz during the recent pause in hostilities. Hassan added that U.S. inventories remain low and warned that renewed closure of the strait could push prices above $100 a barrel.

Regional statements The Gulf Cooperation Council called on the UN Security Council to ensure freedom of navigation and held Iran responsible for attacks on shipping. The United Arab Emirates condemned an Iranian missile attack on Jordan and expressed solidarity with the kingdom.

Analyst views London-based defence analyst Alex Alfirraz Scheers said both Washington and Tehran appear locked in a cycle of conflict over control of the strait. George Washington University analyst Sina Azodi said Iran still wants the Islamabad memorandum of understanding to survive but believes the U.S. is trying to limit Tehran’s leverage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the ceasefire situation in separate calls with counterparts in Pakistan and Turkey, according to statements from those governments.