Military and defense analyst Alex Alfirraz Scheers stated that Iran is prepared for a return to a large-scale conflict with the United States if maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz requires it. He said that for Iran, the passage is both a "trophy" of war and its biggest bargaining chip in future negotiations with the United States. However, Scheers noted, "The United States also faces pressure from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries demanding that the Strait of Hormuz not become Iran's exclusive domain." He added, "That memorandum of understanding may not be completely nullified, but it is already in a dying state, 'staying alive on life support.' The urgent task is for both sides to recognize that a new escalation would be detrimental to either side."
