Middle East standoff: Why Gulf states may accept that Iran will control the Strait of Hormuz

Amid repeated attacks on shipping and growing risks to alternative energy routes, Gulf states may be forced to accept a deal they do not fully support Persian Gulf energy producers are reportedly becoming increasingly resigned to Iran retaining significant control over the Strait of Hormuz, as efforts to reopen the vital waterway face a standoff and regional governments weigh the risks of renewed war against disruption to oil and gas exports.A proposed arrangement to reopen the strategic waterway has become the preferred option for several Gulf states despite their concerns over Iranian oversight, as per a report by Wall Street Journal. The alternative, they fear, is a wider US-Iran confrontation that could put oil, gas, power and water facilities across the region at greater risk.Although, negotiations have stalled in recent days. Iran is seeking financial relief and a prohibition on US and Israeli warships in the strait, while Washington has rejected any arrangement that would allow Tehran to impose restrictions on shipping.The impasse has prolonged the disruption to one of the world's most important energy routes. Oil shipments through Hormuz have fallen sharply since the confli...