By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Despite setbacks in direct negotiations between the United States and Iran, diplomatic efforts to bridge the widening gap continue, according to sources close to the mediation process.
These talks have faced significant hurdles, most recently highlighted by the cancellation of a planned visit by U.S. negotiators, including President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, to Islamabad over the weekend.
The Iranian government has put forward a new proposal, which would delay discussions on Iran’s nuclear program until the ongoing war concludes and key issues like shipping rights in the Strait of Hormuz are resolved. However, this approach is unlikely to meet U.S. expectations, which demand that nuclear concerns be prioritized in any negotiations.
Following the cancellation of face-to-face talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s diplomatic tour continued with visits to Oman and Russia. In Russia, Araqchi met with President Vladimir Putin, receiving expressions of support from a long-standing ally. Although both sides are still at odds over critical issues, including nuclear development and access to the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have surged, reflecting continued market uncertainty.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In a recent interview, Trump stated that if Iran wanted to negotiate, it could initiate contact. He insisted that the terms for talks were clear and simple: Iran must abandon any ambitions for nuclear weapons.
Iran’s latest proposal suggests a phased approach to negotiations, starting with resolving the U.S.-Iran war and the blockade on Iranian shipping. Only after these issues are settled would talks shift toward Iran’s nuclear program. Washington, however, has remained firm in its stance that no talks on other issues can begin until Iran makes significant concessions on its nuclear ambitions.
The continued diplomatic strain comes amid rising global economic concerns, as the war’s toll on oil production and shipping continues to escalate. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments, has intensified tensions, leading to a sharp increase in oil prices. Brent crude rose by 2.5% on Monday as markets reacted to the growing uncertainty.
Despite the diplomatic deadlock, Pakistani officials have indicated that the negotiations are still ongoing, albeit remotely. There is currently no plan for in-person talks until the two sides reach a preliminary agreement. While some hope remains for a resolution, it seems clear that both sides are entrenched in their positions, setting the stage for a prolonged and contentious diplomatic struggle.
As fighting intensifies in Lebanon and the broader Middle East, including Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, the stakes of the U.S.-Iran negotiations continue to rise. With both sides seemingly prepared for a long diplomatic and economic standoff, the outcome of these talks could have far-reaching consequences for the region and the global economy.
Source Reuters
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