U.S.-Iran Peace Agreement Expected to Require Approximately Six Months to Finalize
According to officials from Gulf Arab nations and European countries familiar with ongoing diplomatic discussions, a comprehensive peace agreement between the United States and Iran is projected to take around six months to negotiate and finalize. These officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, revealed that regional leaders are advocating for an extension of the current ceasefire to cover this extended timeframe.
Immediate Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Demanded to Restore Global Energy Flows
The officials emphasized that Gulf and European leaders are urgently calling for the immediate reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz to restore normal energy flows. They warned privately that failure to reopen this crucial maritime passageway by next month could trigger a developing global food crisis. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the conflict began, severely impacting Gulf economies that rely on exporting oil, liquefied natural gas, aluminum, and fertilizer products.
Energy prices are likely to increase further if hostilities resume, with Brent crude having already climbed approximately 3.5 percent to surpass US$98 per barrel last Thursday. Although oil prices have moderated somewhat since a ceasefire began around April 8, they remain 35 percent higher than pre-conflict levels.
Gulf States' Concerns About Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and Military Capabilities
Gulf state officials expressed ongoing concerns that Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons development, a position that has not changed despite recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iranian targets. These officials believe any comprehensive peace agreement must include provisions prohibiting Iran from enriching uranium and developing long-range ballistic missiles.
Nevertheless, most Gulf leaders oppose any return to armed conflict and are urging the United States to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran. Spokespeople for the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these developments.
United Arab Emirates Calls for Unconditional Strait Reopening
The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry referenced an April 8 statement emphasizing the necessity for an "unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz." The UAE's position stresses the need for a comprehensive approach addressing Iran's full spectrum of threats, including nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, drone technology, military capacities, and affiliated proxy groups.
Complex Negotiation Landscape with Multiple Contentious Issues
Washington and Tehran are currently considering a two-week extension of the existing truce, which is scheduled to expire Tuesday evening U.S. time. This extension would provide additional time for peace negotiations, though officials acknowledge there is no guarantee either side will agree to prolong the ceasefire or reach a formal peace agreement.
Beyond the critical issue of Strait of Hormuz control, which Iran seeks to maintain indefinitely, other contentious negotiation points include:
- Iran's nuclear program and missile development
- Sanctions relief for the Islamic Republic
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah
The conflict began in late February when the United States and Israel initiated military strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Iran against Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar involving missiles and drones targeting cities, ports, and petroleum facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which some officials believe could facilitate progress in Iran negotiations.
