U.S. Officials Report Near Agreement to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

U.S. officials announced Saturday that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is largely negotiated between the United States, Iran, and several other countries. The deal would allow the strait to be opened, include a 60-day ceasefire extension, and feature Iran agreeing to discuss its uranium stockpile.

In return, the U.S. would ease its naval blockade while phasing in sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets held overseas.

A Republican senator warned against a deal that would recognize Iran's ability to control the strait. The senator stated that such a perception would represent a major shift in the regional balance of power. The same senator added that it would make one wonder why the war started if these perceptions are accurate.

The senator expressed skepticism that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the strait. A second Republican senator warned that a 60-day ceasefire extension would be a disaster. The senator urged the president to renew hostilities and open the strait by force, saying the president is getting bad advice.

The second senator posted that further pursuit of an agreement with Iran's regime risks a perception of weakness.