Gulf states working on multipart peace deal to avert renewal of US-Iran war
Gulf states are advancing a multipronged peace deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted and see Houthi forces withdraw from Yemen, aiming to avert a renewed war between the US and Iran.
The US is aware of these diplomatic efforts but is holding out for Iran to allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country, a demand European diplomats consider essential for any breakthrough with President Trump. Iran has so far refused, stating it will only discuss its nuclear program in principle.
European powers believe readmitting weapons inspectors to visit Iran's bombed nuclear sites is a minimum requirement for progress. Iran remains focused solely on securing guarantees of sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route.
Iran shows flexibility
In a notable shift, Dr Ali Bagheri, Iran's deputy national security council secretary, indicated Iran is willing to reduce its proposal for reopening the strait from seven days to four days after sanctions are lifted. Iran is also beginning to acknowledge its mediating role in the Yemen conflict.
Recently, there has been talk of a new war but I am already thinking about the postwar period. Whether there is war or not, our policies remain the same.
Regional security talks
Iran's supreme national security council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, met with the Houthi ambassador to Iran, Ibrahim al-Dulaimi, a day after a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan traveled to Tehran. The discussions focused on ending the Yemen conflict and establishing a long-term regional security framework that could reduce or end the US military presence in the Middle East.
Iran successfully prevented the talks from addressing its nuclear program, instead steering discussions toward a broader regional security vision that would include Gulf states and potentially end Iran's diplomatic isolation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran backs the Houthis and has influence over them, though not enough to guarantee a military victory.
Economic potential
I think if Iran is fully re-engaged in this idea of having all of us, eight countries at peace with the rest of the world, the economic potential is going to be enormous for all of us in the region and those outside the region who choose to take part in this development.
Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, a key advocate of the inclusive security plan, expressed confidence that the US administration understands the regional direction. He emphasized the enormous economic potential of having eight countries at peace with the world.
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