The Iranian initiative to open the Strait of Hormuz...a message to remove Donald Trump’s pretexts

Writer: Imran Al-Khatib

The Iranian initiative to open the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an important political step that can be built upon to contain the escalation and create the necessary conditions to achieve security, peace and stability in the Gulf region. It also carries a message to US President Donald Trump, stating that the diplomatic path remains a possible option to avoid the expansion of the conflict, far from military escalation and its risks to the countries and peoples of the region.

The Iranian leadership’s approval of the Islamabad initiative, and acceptance to enter into direct negotiations through the Pakistani mediator, opens the way for political action aimed at stopping the war and containing the crisis, and reaching understandings that guarantee the interests of the countries of the region and preserve their security and stability.

These developments are based on previous negotiating experiences, most notably the Iranian nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was concluded in 2015 during the era of former US President Barack Obama, and its implementation began in 2016. However, President Donald Trump withdrew from it during his first term, in a move that was opposed by international parties, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the most prominent opponents of the agreement and calling for its abandonment.

In light of the risks posed by the current confrontation, the importance of returning to diplomatic solutions and working to address controversial issues, most notably the Iranian nuclear program, through clear guarantees and reliable oversight mechanisms, is highlighted, allowing for reaching understandings regarding uranium enrichment levels and reducing the possibilities of renewed conflict.

In this context, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have an important political responsibility to support the initiatives aimed at achieving this goalTo end the crisis, encourage dialogue between the parties concerned, and work to ensure the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as it is a vital corridor for global trade and energy supplies.

Transforming the Iranian initiative into a practical path requires serious regional and international coordination, based on halting escalation, providing the necessary guarantees, and committing to a clear negotiating path that leads to tangible results. The continuation of the war will only deepen the political, economic and security crises, while diplomacy can open a window to reach settlements that serve the peoples of the region.

Reducing the pace of war and containing confrontations would contribute to creating the necessary conditions to address other regional conflicts, including the Yemeni crisis, and reduce tensions between the parties concerned, leading to a cessation of hostilities and enhancing opportunities for a political settlement.

The European Union is also required to play an active role in supporting diplomatic efforts, and to participate in crystallizing the Iranian initiative within a clear negotiating framework that defines mutual obligations and implementation and oversight mechanisms, ensuring the transition from political statements to practical, applicable steps.

The current stage requires giving priority to the language of dialogue over the logic of force, and taking advantage of the available political initiatives to defuse the crisis. Opening the Strait of Hormuz, stopping the escalation, and achieving security and stability in the Gulf region are not only regional goals, but rather common international interests that require responsible action from all parties concerned.

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