Analysis: The Iran-Oman agreement is only a good start and will not solve all the problems

On 5 August, Abas Aslani, a senior researcher at the Middle East Centre for Strategic Studies, stated that the statements and actions of the United States and Iran over the past few weeks had brought the region through a period of instability. “Just a few days ago, everyone was preparing for a massive escalation. The possibility of an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is now being discussed by those who closely observe the situation.” He added that there appeared to be a disconnect between the current situation, as just a few days earlier both the United States and Iran “were still threatening each other”. While both Iran and the United States are now “reporting progress, we have not yet reached that point”. Although this agreement will be “a good start... it will not solve all problems”. The agreement would allow Iran and the United States to focus on relaunching the memorandum of understanding and to move towards a “final agreement on nuclear issues” through its effective implementation。