A breakthrough?

IT appears that despite confrontational rhetoric from both sides, a more long-term agreement on cessation of hostilities between the US and Iran may be within reach. Matters had heated up on Monday in what US President Donald Trump called “a little skirmish” between his country and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, while the UAE was also rocked by alleged Iranian attacks. However, soon after these events there were signs of de-escalation, as Mr Trump said that the so-called Project Freedom — under which the US was supposed to escort vessels through Hormuz — was wound up in just about 24 hours. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly said that Operation Epic Fury, the codename of the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran launched on Feb 28, had also ended. Mr Trump said he had paused the Hormuz operation because of requests made by Pakistan and other countries. In reaction to the American move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains committed to the diplomatic process.

While all these developments are positive, Mr Trump has refused to lift the blockade on Iranian ships, while adding later that if Iran fails to agree to a deal, “the bombing starts”. It is difficult to ascertain what the American leadership’s actual plan is: small steps to pave the way for peace, or more bluster and threats that will inevitably lead to reigniting the war? For the sake of regional and global peace, it is certainly hoped that it is the former. Some observers have said that any possible deal will initially focus on lifting the mutual blockade of Hormuz, and that other issues, such as Iran’s nuclear programme, will be discussed later. The whole international community will certainly welcome the reopening of Hormuz, as global commerce has been rattled by its closure, with ordinary people particularly feeling the pain at the petrol pump, as their wallets are squeezed further.

In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in China on Wednesday to meet his counterpart Wang Yi. Meanwhile, Mr Trump is due in Beijing next week. It is possible that China is working behind the scenes to convince both the US and Iran to settle the issue peacefully. China has a strong interest in seeing maritime commerce restored in the Gulf, and has significant economic ties with both the US and Iran, placing it in a position to push for peace. The whole world would welcome an end to this pointless war. The US needs to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, and give Tehran sanctions relief and other CBMs, particularly a commitment not to attack it again, so that there can be a genuine move towards peace. And Iran, for its part, must ensure free movement to facilitate stable energy supplies.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2026