Hormuz 'Thaw' Shattered in a Day Amidst Trump's Pressure and Hardliner Backlash

The dramatic reversal of Iran's decision to open the Strait of Hormuz, just a day after the announcement, underscores the intricate geopolitical maneuvering and internal power struggles shaping the nation's foreign policy. What was initially hailed as a potential thaw has rapidly frozen over, a development that speaks volumes about the deep-seated tensions and the high stakes involved as critical deadlines loom.

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We are still far from a final agreement... we have made progress in negotiations, but there are still many disagreements and several fundamental issues remain.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, this episode highlights the persistent influence of hardline factions within Iran who view any perceived concession to the United States with deep suspicion. The statements by Iranian officials, such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasizing that "we are still far from a final agreement" and that "passage through the strait will definitely be restricted if the U.S. does not lift the blockade," reveal the internal discord. This internal conflict is not merely rhetorical; it directly impacts the nation's ability to project a unified front on the international stage.

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If the U.S. does not lift the blockade, passage through the Strait of Hormuz will definitely be restricted.

The U.S. response, particularly President Trump's immediate reiteration of naval blockades until a "100% complete" deal is reached, further complicated matters. This has been interpreted by analysts as a reflection of an "inappropriate response" from the U.S., exacerbating Iran's internal debate. The hardliners' criticism of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who initially signaled openness, and their questioning of Ghalibaf's commitment to ending the cycle of conflict, demonstrate the fierce opposition to any perceived appeasement.

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We will keep our finger on the trigger and will respond accordingly if a violation occurs.

Furthermore, the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, despite ceasefire promises, add another layer of complexity. This regional instability directly influences Iran's strategic calculus. While both sides appear to be keeping channels of communication open, aiming for a memorandum of understanding, the core issues—nuclear program details, sanctions relief, and financial claims—remain deeply contentious. The stark disagreement over uranium enrichment, with the U.S. claiming Iran agreed to transfer it while Iran vehemently denies this, exemplifies the chasm that still needs to be bridged. For us in Korea, understanding these dynamics is crucial, as regional stability directly impacts global energy markets and international relations.

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The change in Iran's attitude is a reflection of the U.S.'s very inappropriate response.