By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Hope is growing that the devastating conflict involving Iran could be approaching a diplomatic breakthrough, with international mediators working urgently to transform a temporary ceasefire into a lasting agreement.
After nearly seven weeks of military confrontation that shook the Middle East and rattled global markets, officials now say negotiations have moved closer to resolving some of the most difficult issues, though major disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program.
At the center of the latest diplomatic push is Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who arrived in Tehran this week to revive stalled negotiations. Sources familiar with the talks said his visit helped narrow differences on several “sticky issues” that had prevented earlier progress. His involvement has raised hopes that a second round of formal negotiations could begin soon, possibly in Islamabad, before the current two-week ceasefire expires next week.
The United States has signaled that it wants a final agreement quickly. President Donald Trump has publicly suggested that a successful deal could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
The narrow waterway handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments, and disruptions there have already caused severe turbulence in international energy markets. Rising fuel prices and supply concerns have added pressure on world economies, prompting warnings from financial institutions that a prolonged conflict could trigger a broader global downturn.
Despite the optimism, Iran insists that the most sensitive issue—its nuclear program—has not yet been settled. Washington has reportedly proposed a 20-year suspension of Iranian nuclear activity, while Tehran has suggested a shorter pause lasting between three and five years.
Another key point of dispute involves Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. While Iran has long resisted moving any nuclear material abroad, officials now appear willing to consider sending part of it out of the country as part of a compromise, provided sanctions are eased in return.
American officials continue to mix diplomacy with military pressure. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that military forces remain prepared to resume operations immediately if negotiations collapse.
He said Washington would prefer peace but remains ready to strike Iranian infrastructure again if no agreement is reached. That warning underscores how fragile the current ceasefire remains, even as both sides explore a possible settlement.
The conflict in neighboring Lebanon is also becoming an important part of the broader negotiations. Israel has been fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in a parallel front, and diplomats increasingly believe any long-term peace arrangement must also address that violence.
Israeli leaders have discussed a possible ceasefire with Lebanon, while regional powers are pushing for wider talks that could reduce tensions across multiple borders. However, continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon show that fighting has not yet subsided on the ground.
Financial markets have reacted strongly to signs of progress. Global stock indexes climbed to record highs on expectations that a wider regional war may be avoided. Investors are cautiously betting that a peace deal could stabilize oil prices and restore confidence in international trade. Still, crude prices remain volatile, reflecting lingering doubts about whether negotiators can overcome the final obstacles.
For now, the world is watching Tehran closely. Diplomats believe the coming days may determine whether the region moves toward a historic de-escalation or slips back into another dangerous phase of war.
While momentum toward peace is stronger than it has been in weeks, the unresolved nuclear dispute remains the biggest barrier between a temporary truce and a permanent settlement.
Source Reuters
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