Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has said continued disagreements between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz could benefit Israel, arguing that Tehran should remain under pressure.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Cohen said Israel would prefer Washington and Tehran not to reach an agreement, arguing that continued pressure on Iran would serve Israel’s interests.
Cohen also claimed that steps had already been taken to bring about political change in Iran and predicted that the Iranian government could collapse within two to three years. His comments represent the assessment of an Israeli government official and are not an independently established forecast.
The remarks come amid continuing disputes between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. The two sides have been discussing arrangements aimed at restoring safer and more predictable commercial shipping through the waterway.
Under a proposed understanding announced on June 14 with Pakistani mediation, the United States was expected to facilitate the release of frozen Iranian assets, while Iran would ease restrictions on commercial shipping through the strait and refrain from imposing transit fees on vessels for 60 days.
The arrangement did not proceed as initially expected. Reports said the Iranian assets were not released, while Washington proposed an alternative shipping arrangement involving Omani waters. Tehran viewed the measures as inconsistent with the proposed understanding and subsequently maintained restrictions on some vessels.
Tensions around the waterway later increased as fighting between Iran and the United States escalated in July. Iran has since continued discussions with Oman over possible arrangements to facilitate commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Prolonged disruption to shipping could increase transportation and energy costs and have wider consequences for global trade.
Israeli media have also reported on the possibility of further Israeli military action against Iran without direct U.S. participation. Such reports have generally relied on Israeli sources and have not established that a specific operation has been approved.
Cohen’s remarks highlight Israel’s strategic interest in maintaining pressure on Tehran as Washington and Iran seek to resolve disputes involving Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and commercial access through the Strait of Hormuz.