David Petraeus the former CIA director said there is still “a possibility for a negotiated resolution” in the Strait of Hormuz crisis but warned that any lasting deal must prevent Iran from interfering with freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. Current reporting indicates Tehran has said commercial traffic can resume, though under conditions, while President Donald Trump says the US naval blockade on Iranian shipping remains in force. Petraeus, retired US Army general, told TVP World’s World News Tonight that Iran’s latest move looked more like tactical maneuvering than a genuine reopening of the strait. A conditional reopening “They haven't truly done that,” Petraeus said. “What they have done is say that they'll do that.” He argued that Tehran was still attaching conditions, above all a US decision to lift its blockade, which he said was unlikely. The remarks came as France and the UK led talks in Paris on a possible multinational mission to help secure the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow. European officials have said any future effort could include mine-clearing and defensive escorts for commercial shipping. More than a dozen countries are ready to contribute, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Petraeus said European participation would be welcome, though not strictly necessary. “It would be very helpful if they did,” he said, adding that Gulf states could also assist in ensuring the normal shipping channel is safe. The waterway remains central to the global economy. Reuters reported on Friday that hundreds of vessels were still stalled in the Gulf as shipping groups assessed security risks and the practical meaning of Iran’s announcement. About a fifth of the world’s oil and LNG flows through the strait. Europe’s interest Petraeus rejected the idea that Europe would be “forced” to act, but said reopening the route was plainly in Europe’s interest because of the shock to trade and energy markets. He also framed Trump’s wider rhetoric toward allies as pressure rather than a strategic rupture. Asked about repeated threats toward NATO, Petraeus said the comments were “more of the latter” — talk, rather than a serious plan to abandon the alliance.
