Iran-US peace talks intensify

by AZADEH AKBAR
Special contributor
TEHRAN, (CAJ News) – FRESH diplomatic efforts aimed at ending months of hostilities between Iran and the United States are intensifying, with negotiations focusing on reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz and halting further military attacks in the volatile Gulf region.

The latest peace talks involving mediators from Qatar and Pakistan, come after months of escalating tensions following a joint United States-Israeli unprovoked military campaign against Iran that began in February.

Before the conflict erupted, the Strait of Hormuz remained one of the world’s busiest and most critical shipping lanes, carrying nearly a fifth of global oil and gas supplies daily.

However, the waterway was severely disrupted after the outbreak of war, with Iran imposing restrictions and the US later enforcing naval operations in the Gulf.

Iranian officials maintain the attacks on their country were unprovoked and unfair, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of violating international law through air strikes that killed civilians, including schoolchildren.

Iranian negotiators are demanding a complete end to military operations, the lifting of sanctions, the removal of naval blockades and guarantees against future attacks before fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior Iranian officials have also insisted that Tehran must retain its sovereignty and dignity during negotiations.

“We want peace, security and stability in the Gulf, but Iran cannot negotiate under threats, bombardments or sanctions,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during recent mediation efforts.

Iran has further argued that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz should precede wider negotiations over its nuclear programme.

On the other hand, Washington continues to demand strict limitations on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, broader monitoring of nuclear facilities and guarantees that Tehran will not threaten maritime security in the Gulf. (

US officials say sanctions relief and the easing of military pressure would depend on Iran complying with future agreements regarding nuclear transparency and regional security.

President Donald Trump recently stated that a framework agreement had been “largely negotiated,” although final details remained unresolved.

Global energy markets have reacted cautiously to the developments, with oil prices falling amid hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could soon fully reopen.

Analysts warn that despite progress in negotiations, rebuilding trust between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv will remain difficult after months of warfare, civilian casualties and economic disruption.

For now, the world continues watching closely as diplomacy attempts to succeed where military confrontation failed.

– CAJ News