In an interview with Al Jazeera, former US Ambassador to Bahrain Adam Ereli cast doubt on President Donald Trump's claim that a deal with Iran is imminent on the Strait of Hormuz and denuclearisation. Ereli said: "I don't see Iran, unless Trump makes some significant concessions, I don't see them changing their position." He argued that Iran is holding the world "hostage" and that "time, frankly, is on their side." Ereli suggested the US should return to the tough sanctions regime of the Obama era, which pressured Iran into the 2015 nuclear deal, but noted that Trump is unlikely to adopt that approach and has alienated international partners. Ereli predicted Trump will "muddle through" with a combination of "bluster, cajoling and persuasion" to get something he can call a victory, comparing it to Trump's recent Gaza announcement which he described as "hooey." He also said public opinion is unlikely to influence Trump's decisions as he is a lame-duck president.
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