Talks again

USA and Iran to use rest of ceasefire for new talks

The USA and Iran have until April 22, less than a week, to make a go of a second round of talks in Pakistan. US President Donald Trump disclosed that the talks, which broke down on Sunday, will resume. Though US team leader Vice-President J.D. Vance had said the breakdown was over Iran’s nuclear programme, reports indicate that the basic principle of a delay in Iranian enrichment had been agreed, and it was a matter of deciding how long Iran was going to postpone its enrichment. The USA wanted a 20-year pause, Iran proposed only five. In addition, there was the question of what would become of the stockpile of uranium that Iran had which was enriched to 60 percent. Despite the heavy bombing, that stockpile has not yet been eliminated. The issue of the Hormuz Strait also remain unresolved, whether it is to be a free waterway, or for Iran to have control.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Li, meanwhile, has proposed a four-point peace plan, in a meeting with UAE Crown Prince Khaled ibn Mohammad ibn Zayed. The meeting was significant, for China is supposed to be one of countries supporting Iran, while the UAE is not only an Arab country which recognizes Israel, but which is among the victims of Iranian strikes against it. One of the salient features of this conflict is that a multitude of countries have got involved, primarily because of the Hormuz Strait. One of the more interesting developments is how this conflict has led to increased coordination among what is being called the Quad. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are tied in varying degrees by bilateral ties, with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia having signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Though all are allied with the USA, the latest developments are forcing them to review their security arrangements, which make them all wary of over-dependence on the USA.

However, whatever might develop in the future, at the moment the focus must be on preventing conflict breaking out again. Talks must succeed because time is running out on the ceasefire, while new issues have been added, such as the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Everyone, including Pakistan, is being given a second chance. The world is waiting with bated breath in the hope that the main combatants get it right this time.