THE situation in the Gulf remains as fluid as before despite behind-the-scenes efforts by mediators to contain the conflict and promote peace prospects. As both the United States and Iran are raising the ante on an almost daily basis by their offensive statements as well as moves, Pakistan is apparently, once again, trying its level best to bring the warring sides back to the negotiating table. In a latest development, there has been a telephonic contact between Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional developments, ongoing diplomatic efforts, political solutions and cooperation.
There is, indeed, an urgency to revive the momentum of the diplomatic process as the two sides are taking dangerous positions and are not listening to voices of reason, which call for restraint and commitment to peaceful resolution of the crisis. It is strange that on the one hand, President Donald Trump is talking about prospects of resumption of talks at some point with Iran but at the same time he has issued a stark warning of imposing the strictest economic blockade of Tehran. In a post on Truth Social, he has announced what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country”, warning Iran and countries that continue to provide economic support to Tehran of sweeping new measures. Trump accused Iran of rejecting opportunities to reach a deal with his administration and said Washington would pursue “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale”. Iran is also not budging an inch from its hard position as evident by the latest declaration by a senior official who said Iran will go on the offensive against the US naval blockade if diplomatic efforts to end the war collapse. Iranian moves are already forcing Gulf countries to join anti-Iran moves and the warning issued by Trump, if implemented, could make life difficult for Iranian people and the Government. No doubt, Iran has demonstrated its resolve to defend its territory but it will be next to impossible for Tehran to sustain economic losses when it needs continuous pumping of resources to overcome the challenge. The situation is also difficult for the rest of the world as oil is once again costing more due to uncertainty and unpredictability. One hopes the Field Marshal, who successfully helped the two countries to bridge their differences and sign a peace accord, will find a middle way to resolve renewed differences.
