GRANTS, N.M. – The Iran war remains in a fragile diplomatic pause, but the central issue has not changed: who controls shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Institute for the Study of War and the Critical Threats Project, President Donald Trump said Aug. 2 that U.S. and Iranian officials would soon meet to discuss reopening the strait and nuclear issues. ISW-CTP reported that some Iranian “pragmatist” officials appear to be questioning how much effort Iran should spend trying to control Hormuz, while hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps figures continue to reject compromise.
According to ISW-CTP, former Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned Aug. 3 that a prolonged closure or short-term exploitation of the strait could build international consensus against Iran, including from China. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also supported returning to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.
The IRGC faction appears to remain dominant. According to ISW-CTP, Supreme Leader Military Adviser Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei said Iran would not allow a second corridor through the strait “under any circumstances.” ISW-CTP also reported that United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said an explosion occurred Aug. 2 near a civilian vessel off Oman, possibly from an Iranian projectile or mine.
The Red Sea also remains under pressure. According to ISW-CTP, Yemeni military sources told Saudi media that the Houthis reinforced drone and missile launch sites on the Red Sea coast with IRGC assistance.
In Lebanon, according to ISW-CTP, President Joseph Aoun met with the Beirut airport security chief amid tensions with Hezbollah, whose officials have threatened to shut down Rafic Hariri International Airport over Lebanese restrictions on Iranian influence.
In Remembrance
The following 17 U.S. service members have been publicly identified as having died in service to our nation during the current conflict. The Cibola County community honors their sacrifice and holds their loved ones, friends, and fellow service members in our thoughts.
Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait — March 1, 2026 Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien Capt. Cody Khork Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan Master Sgt. Nicole Amor Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens Sgt. Declan Coady
Prince Sultan Air Base,
Saudi Arabia — March 1, 2026
Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington
Western Iraq — March 12, 2026
Maj. John A. Klinner Capt. Ariana G. Savino Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt Capt. Seth R. Koval Capt. Curtis J. Angst Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan — July 17, 2026
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan Pvt. Isabella Gonzales Sgt Angel S Rampersand
Erbil Air Base, Iraq — July 19, 2026 Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton