Key facts
- Gulf states are proposing a peace deal to prevent a US-Iran war.
- The deal aims for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within four days of sanctions relief.
- Houthi forces would withdraw substantial forces inside Yemen as part of the plan.
- The US seeks Iran allowing UN weapons inspectors back into the country.
- Iran has refused to readmit UN weapons inspectors, preferring to discuss its nuclear program in principle.
Gulf states are actively pursuing a multipronged peace deal aimed at preventing a renewal of war between Iran and the US. Central to these plans is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted, coupled with a substantial withdrawal of Houthi forces from Yemen. The US is reportedly aware of the ongoing diplomatic efforts but is seeking a significant concession, with European powers suggesting Iran's agreement to allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country could be a key demand.
Despite urging from British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, Iran has so far refused to readmit UN weapons inspectors, stating its willingness to discuss its nuclear program only in principle. European diplomats view the return of inspectors to Iran's nuclear sites as a minimum requirement for a breakthrough. Iran, however, remains focused on securing guarantees for sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Dr. Ali Bagheri indicating a willingness to shorten the proposed reopening timeline to four days.
In a sign of evolving regional diplomacy, Iran has begun to acknowledge its mediating role in the Yemen conflict. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's secretary of the supreme national security council, met with the Houthi ambassador, Ibrahim al-Dulaimi. This meeting followed a visit to Tehran by a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, who discussed Saudi terms for ending the Yemen conflict and a broader regional security framework. Iran, which backs the Houthis, is seen as having influence over them, potentially devising proposals that move away from a Houthi military victory. The Houthis, in turn, are demanding the lifting of Saudi Arabia's blockade on their territory.
Iran successfully steered discussions away from its nuclear program during the talks with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, prioritizing a long-term regional security vision that includes Gulf states and aims to reduce or end the US presence in the Middle East. A non-aggression pact, ending Iran's regional isolation, is considered a primary strategic goal. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed optimism, believing the US administration understands this regional shift towards inclusive security, which he stated would unlock enormous economic potential.