Wendy Sherman, the former Deputy Secretary of State and lead negotiator for the Iran nuclear deal, has stated that Iran has emerged from recent military confrontations in a stronger position relative to the United States.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing foreign media reports, Sherman emphasized that Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz provides the country with significant strategic leverage.
“Having negotiations is better than having none at all. Iran has undoubtedly secured a stronger position for itself. They can close the Strait of Hormuz at any time,” she stated.
The former American diplomat suggests that this newfound leverage allows Iran to play a more active role in determining the terms of peace in Lebanon. However, she refrained from labeling Iran as the outright victor of the conflict. Sherman further noted that Iran has demonstrated resilience, proving that it cannot be easily broken through military force alone. In her view, this reality underscores the critical importance of diplomacy and the limitations of continued military operations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is essential for global energy supplies, as a significant portion of the world's oil passes through it daily. Tensions in this region have historically been a focal point of US-Iran relations, often serving as a barometer for regional stability. It is worth recalling that in June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at an immediate cessation of military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon.
