🛰️ ISRAEL ASSESSES U.S. SEEKS OPEN STRAIT DEAL AS OIL TOPS $90
🛰️ ISRAEL ASSESSES U.S. CAMPAIGN SEEKS NEGOTIATIONS AND AN OPEN STRAIT: Israeli officials assess that the U.S. military campaign is intended to compel Iran to return to negotiations and secure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, rather than pursue immediate regime overthrow or all-out war, according to Maariv.
Washington is seeking to prevent Iran from forcing international recognition of its transit permits and control over shipping routes.
Officials said negotiations collapsed over the Strait escalation, not earlier demands such as an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.
President Trump is reportedly seeking an interim “open strait” arrangement combining military pressure with negotiations, although disputes over control and payment are expected to continue.
Israel sees a strategic interest in striking Iranian national infrastructure, particularly oil and other “even more significant” assets, to create an economic and functional crisis.
Sources said such strikes would not immediately collapse the regime but could change “the rules of the game” over time.
Israel currently assesses that Washington opposes formal Israeli participation unless the campaign expands and U.S. assistance is required.
Refueling aircraft arriving in Israel are designated solely for U.S. operational needs because of regional basing limitations, not joint air operations.
Sources also downplayed Ahmad Vahidi’s individual role, saying Iran’s decision-making center remains a broader collective of Revolutionary Guard, civilian and other hardline officials.
📈 OIL RISES ABOVE $90 AS HORMUZ DISRUPTION FEARS GROW: Brent crude climbed just above $90 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $84 amid concerns that disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could continue.
The dollar remained stable ahead of the weekly opening.
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