Gulf leaders propose four-day deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Four days. That is the proposed window for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen once economic sanctions on Iran are lifted. Gulf states are developing a multi-part peace agreement centered on this rapid timeline to prevent a renewed war between the United States and Iran.

The plan includes specific military movements in Yemen. It requires the Houthis to withdraw substantial forces from within the country. This withdrawal is a core component of the deal designed to stabilize the region.

The United States is aware of the progress in these talks. Washington is currently waiting for a specific concession from Tehran. European diplomats suggest this concession involves allowing UN weapons inspectors to return to Iran.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York. He urged the Iranian side to accept the return of inspectors. Iran has so far refused. The Iranian government states it will only hold talks in principle regarding its nuclear program.

European officials view the return of inspectors as a minimum requirement for a breakthrough with President Donald Trump. Inspectors would visit nuclear sites that were bombed in previous conflicts. Iran remains focused on guarantees for sanctions relief rather than nuclear inspections.

Dr. Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of Iran’s national security council, indicated flexibility on the timeline. He said Iran is willing to reduce its previous proposal of a seven-day delay to a four-day delay for the strait to reopen after sanctions end.

Iran is also acknowledging its mediating role in the parallel conflict in Yemen. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, met with Houthi ambassador Ibrahim al-Dulaimi on Tuesday. This meeting occurred one day after a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan visited Tehran.

The delegation discussed Saudi terms for ending the Yemen conflict. They also discussed a longer-term security architecture for the region. Iran successfully shifted the focus away from its nuclear program. The discussion centered on a regional security vision that includes the Gulf states and Iran, with a reduced or ended US presence in the Middle East.

A new non-aggression pact would end the ostracism Iran has faced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This outcome meets Iran’s highest strategic goal. An agreed commitment by six Gulf states could make it easier for Iran to accept difficult tactical concessions on its nuclear program.

Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s foreign minister, supports the inclusive security plan. He stated, “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.” He added, “We have really discussed this in at length during the talks between Iran and the United States, and I think there is general acceptance that this will be the direction of travel once we have a deal in place at the end of the day.”

Abbas Araghchi emphasized the importance of a postwar security pact during a televised event in Iran. He said, “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.”