Iran is showing little urgency to resume direct negotiations with the United States, believing time is on its side and that its strategic leverage over the Strait of Hormuz will strengthen its position in any future agreement, according to multiple regional reports.

Since the cessation of nearly two weeks of airstrikes, Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted the country is “not negotiating from a position of weakness,” rejecting U.S. claims that Tehran is eager to quickly return to the bargaining table.

According to a report by The New York Times, Iran is seeking American recognition of its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a demand Washington has so far rejected. Meanwhile, Al Arabiya reported, citing senior Iranian officials, that the regime believes it can withstand additional pressure from the Trump administration until Washington ultimately agrees to terms more favorable to Tehran.

Egyptian Iran analyst Mohammed Khairi told Al Arabiya that Tehran views the Strait of Hormuz as one of its strongest bargaining chips. He said the regime sees the strategic waterway as a powerful tool capable of influencing the global economy and improving its negotiating position.

Analysts warn, however, that relying on the Strait of Hormuz as leverage could backfire. Any direct threat to international shipping or global energy supplies could prompt the United States and its allies to increase diplomatic, economic, or military pressure on Iran.

Some analysts believe that if negotiations collapse over the issue, President Trump could order renewed airstrikes in an effort to force Tehran to abandon its demands, further damaging Iran’s economy and military capabilities.

According to the reports, Iran’s broader strategy is to raise the cost of confrontation for the United States while avoiding negotiations that could be perceived domestically as taking place under pressure. Tehran hopes to enter any future talks as an equal party, while tying any agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz to broader political and security guarantees.

Despite the current pause in fighting, analysts say there is still no clear indication of what additional measures Washington may take if diplomatic efforts fail to achieve the Trump administration’s objective of reducing Iran’s influence over the strategically vital waterway.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)