AS the threat of renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran lingers, a parallel diplomatic process — facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan — is attempting to avert a devastating return to hostilities.
Iranian negotiators were in Doha on Sunday to take part in indirect talks aimed at working out a deal, even as speculation of fresh attacks on Iran, following today’s midterm polls in America, continued.
US President Donald Trump has not helped matters by toying with the idea of new attacks. The ice was broken late last month when US Vice-President J.D. Vance wrote a letter to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei.
Mr Vance reportedly prefers a diplomatic solution. Earlier, he had led his country’s delegation during April’s historic talks in Islamabad. The letter has been well received in Tehran, with Gen Rezaei calling its tone “positive”.
Writing to the Iranian security chief was an intelligent move and has begun to show results. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that if the US meets his country’s demands, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within two days. That outcome would be welcomed not only by the Gulf states and other regional countries but also by the international community at large, as states across the world have felt the impact of the strait’s closure and the attendant restrictions on trade and oil and gas flows.
Mr Vance’s letter has reportedly asked for guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. On its part, Tehran wants an end to both the sanctions and the US blockade, as well as other concessions from America.
Both sides must show flexibility if this push for peace is to succeed.
Though the diplomatic progress is welcome, the process could be torpedoed if the US and Israel go ahead with their attack plans. Media reports indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv are prepared to resume hostilities after the midterms. However, US Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who has been briefed on the plans, has described the latter as “insane” and likely to cause a “devastating escalation”.
