Gulf states are developing a comprehensive peace agreement designed to prevent escalation between Iran and the United States, according to sources tracking negotiations in the region. The proposed arrangement centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted and securing a significant withdrawal of Houthi forces from Yemen. These negotiations reflect deep concerns among regional powers about the consequences of renewed military confrontation.
The United States has signaled awareness of the talks but is conditioning its support on additional Iranian concessions. American officials and their European counterparts are pressing Iran to allow UN weapons inspectors to return to the country and access bombed nuclear facilities. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband raised this issue during recent discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York, though Iran has thus far declined, stating it will only discuss its nuclear program in principle. European diplomats characterize inspector readmission and site access as fundamental requirements for breakthrough with the Trump administration.
Iran has indicated some willingness to adjust its negotiating position. Deputy Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council Ali Bagheri announced readiness to reduce the proposed timeline for strait reopening from seven days to four days following sanctions relief. Additionally, Iran appears to be recognizing its capacity to influence parallel negotiations regarding Yemen. Iran’s security council secretary Mohsen Rezaei met with the Houthi ambassador this week, occurring shortly after a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan traveled to Tehran to discuss Saudi proposals for resolving the Yemen conflict and establishing broader regional security arrangements.
A central objective animating Iran’s negotiating strategy involves achieving regional integration and reducing international isolation dating to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian officials envision a comprehensive non-aggression pact among eight countries, including all Gulf states, that would establish a new security architecture and potentially reduce American military presence in the Middle East. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi indicated that Gulf state leadership recognizes this direction as potentially beneficial for regional economic development and stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi emphasized the importance of planning for postwar conditions and a new security framework regardless of whether military conflict occurs.
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