A warning by ⁠former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has crystallized fears among Gulf states that reopening the Strait of Hormuz may be the most Iran-U.S. talks can achieve, falling short of the broader de-escalation they regard as vital.

Officials and analysts expect the next round of negotiations, due in Islamabad, will focus increasingly not on Iran's missiles or regional proxies but on uranium enrichment limits and how to handle Iran’s leverage over the Strait, the world’s most critical oil shipping route.

Gulf officials warn the approach risks entrenching Iran's grip on Middle East energy supplies by managing rather than dismantling its leverage, prioritizing global economic stability even while leaving the countries most exposed to the energy and security consequences outside formal decision-making.

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