Iran proposes Hormuz agreement to broaden regional support

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has conducted a 72-hour diplomatic sprint across three countries, including Russia, Pakistan, and Oman, in an effort to secure buy-in for a proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The talks focused on regional security guarantees and the framework for a potential settlement, with nuclear-related issues set aside for later.

Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, followed by visits to Islamabad twice in two days, and then a meeting in Muscat, Oman. Senior intelligence officials from several countries were present at the Muscat talks, which also included discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and regional security guarantees.

Iran submitted its latest proposal to end the war with the US to Pakistan, which is transmitting messages between Tehran and Washington after direct talks on April 11 in Islamabad failed to deliver a breakthrough. The White House has not confirmed the contents of the Iranian proposal, but spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that the US “will not negotiate through the press” and would only make a deal that puts the American people first.

US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the Iranian proposal, stating that Iran already knows what is required to avoid having a nuclear weapon. The latest diplomatic efforts are unfolding against a ticking clock, with the 1973 War Powers Resolution requiring Trump to obtain congressional authorisation to continue military operations against Iran by May 1.

Araghchi met with Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his visits to Islamabad. He also held telephone calls with foreign ministers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and France over the past three days.

Source: Al Jazeera