Andrew Harding on Back-Channel Middle East Diplomacy, Strait of Hormuz Framework, and Regional Realignment

Andrew Harding, Policy Analyst for National Security and Indo-Pacific Affairs at The Heritage Foundation, joins Marc Cox and Kim St. Onge to evaluate reports of a proposed 60-day diplomatic framework involving Oman, Iran, and the U.S. to normalize maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Harding addresses Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's optimistic economic projections alongside public denials from Iranian officials, explaining that back-channel negotiations reflect regime pressure from ongoing U.S. naval blockades. Harding summarizes broader structural shifts across the Middle East over the past two years, emphasizing how degradation of Iranian proxy networks has enabled stronger coordination between the U.S., Israel, and Gulf Arab allies. Hashtags: #AndrewHarding #MiddleEastPolicy #StraitOfHormuz #Iran #ScottBessent #HeritageFoundation