Michelle Caruso-Cabrera discusses shifting U.S. Middle East policy, including Oman-Iran negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, a potential U.S. strategic pivot toward China, and the diminishing threat of a Strait closure due to American energy self-sufficiency and alternative pipelines.
- Oman and Iran are in advanced talks to manage the Strait of Hormuz, with apparent U.S. approval.
- U.S. energy independence reduces catastrophic impact of a Strait closure; oil is currently around $82.
- Treasury Secretary Besson stated the Strait may not matter in two years due to new oil export routes.
- Pentagon factions want to withdraw from the Middle East to focus military resources on China.
- Iran's nuclear weapon capability has been pushed back by 10-20 years, altering threat perceptions.