• US-GCC joint statement (here) contains “interventionist and provocative positions”
• US military presence in Gulf region is a major source of insecurity and division
• Security in the region can only be achieved through cooperation among countries without interference
• US, Israel and regional states that took part in attacks on Iran are responsible for insecurity in Hormuz
• Shipping will be governed by terms of war-end memorandum with Oman

The key passage in the US-GCC joint statement on the Hormuz situation was this:

“The ministers also emphasised the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, noting that free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation, including the right of transit passage as guaranteed under international law, remains essential to regional and global security. The ministers rejected any tolls, fees, or attempts to assert control over the strait..”

But as mentioned before, toll-free or not, that isn’t quite the main issue. It’s more on the unrestricted access and navigation along the waterway. And that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Yes, the numbers are picking up in terms of the number of vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. However, it is clear that Iran continues to maintain strict control over any traffic and movement. And by the look of things, they will certainly not want to relinquish that control whatsoever.

From earlier: There’s still mud in the waters on how things are playing out with the Strait of Hormuz

This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.