A former US diplomat who negotiated hostage releases with Iran explains why current talks over the Strait of Hormuz are deadlocked.
Iran is demanding $24 billion in frozen assets to reopen the vital shipping lane, treating it like a hostage negotiation.
Washington faces three options: endure economic pressure, pay Tehran's price or seek military control of the strait.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
Brett McGurk is a CNN global affairs analyst who served in senior national security positions under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
