Iran Proposes New Negotiations with U.S. Through Pakistani Mediators, IRNA Reports
Tehran has submitted a new proposal for negotiations with the United States via Pakistani intermediaries, as reported by the Iranian state news agency IRNA on Friday. This development could potentially pave the way for resolving the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Impact on Global Oil Prices
Following the announcement, global oil prices, which had surged due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, experienced a decline. The blockade has significantly affected 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies, with the U.S. Navy actively preventing Iranian crude oil exports. This situation has heightened concerns over rising energy prices and the possibility of an economic downturn.
It remains unclear whether the Iranian proposal has been communicated to Washington. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, but reports indicating that U.S. President Donald Trump was to be briefed on potential military actions against Iran had previously driven oil prices to a four-year high.
Military Readiness and Regional Tensions
Iran has reportedly activated its air defenses and is preparing for a comprehensive response if attacked. Two senior Iranian sources indicated that Tehran anticipates a brief but intense U.S. strike, potentially followed by Israeli military action.
The U.S. administration has not disclosed its forthcoming actions. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s previous proposal, and no date has been set for renewed discussions aimed at ending a conflict that has resulted in significant casualties, particularly in Iran and Lebanon.
Following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. bases and infrastructure in Gulf states. Concurrently, the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel, which responded with strikes on Lebanon.
Concerns from Gulf States
Anwar Gargash, a presidential adviser from the UAE, emphasized that the “collective international will and provisions of international law” are essential for ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He further stated that unilateral agreements from Iran cannot be trusted, especially in light of its aggressive actions against neighboring countries.
Trump faces a formal deadline on Friday to either conclude the war or justify its extension to Congress under the 1973 War Powers Resolution. According to a senior administration official, hostilities have effectively ceased due to the April ceasefire, suggesting that the deadline may pass without significant changes to the conflict.
Market Reactions and Future Negotiations
Financial and energy markets are on high alert due to the ongoing stalemate in negotiations and fears of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures for July fell by 0.4% to $109.96 per barrel after the IRNA report, although they remain on track for a 4.5% weekly gain after reaching $126 per barrel on Thursday, the highest price since March 2022.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei cautioned against expecting immediate results from the negotiations. A senior official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any new U.S. attack, regardless of its scale, would lead to “long and painful strikes” on U.S. positions in the region.
U.S. Stance on Nuclear Weapons
Trump reiterated on Thursday that Iran would not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. He also indicated that gasoline prices, a critical concern for his party ahead of the midterm elections, would “drop like a rock” once the conflict concludes. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian purposes.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated Iran’s severe economic challenges, raising the risk of a post-war calamity. However, Iran appears capable of enduring the current standoff in the Gulf, despite the U.S. blockade that has curtailed its energy exports.
Reports indicate that one strategy to be discussed with Trump involves deploying ground forces to secure part of the strait to facilitate commercial shipping. Trump is also contemplating extending the U.S. blockade or declaring a unilateral victory.
The U.S. has not yet provided specific details regarding its plans. In a potential indication of a future ceasefire, a State Department cable scheduled for delivery by May 1 will invite partner nations to join a new coalition, termed the Maritime Freedom Construct, aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the strait. France, Britain, and other nations have engaged in discussions about contributing to this coalition but have stated that assistance in reopening the Strait will only occur once the conflict concludes.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-01 16:50:00 • By the Editorial Desk
