TEHRAN – Despite claims from U.S. President Donald Trump of a “swift end” to the conflict, tensions in the Persian Gulf remain dangerously high. While Washington attempts to present a new “peace proposal” – reportedly mediated through Pakistan – aimed at formally ending hostilities and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the true intentions behind this U.S.-backed framework remain questionable.
This proposed framework, designed to unfold in three phases, seeks to formally end the war, “resolve” the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and launch broader negotiations over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. However, it conveniently overlooks several fundamental issues, including Iran’s legitimate missile program, its sovereign right to a robust stockpile of highly enriched uranium for peaceful purposes, and its unwavering support for regional resistance groups allied with Tehran – all of which Washington demands be curtailed.
The fragility of these diplomatic overtures was starkly exposed on Thursday when U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged fire around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran unequivocally accused Washington of striking civilian targets and an oil tanker, a clear act of aggression. In stark contrast, the U.S. military offered a flimsy excuse, claiming “retaliatory strikes” against Iranian missile and drone facilities following alleged attacks on American naval forces – a narrative often used to justify its provocative presence in the region.
Trump’s insistence that a “ceasefire remains intact” and his downplaying of the latest clashes appear to be a desperate attempt to maintain a facade of control, while expressing a misguided confidence that Tehran will ultimately capitulate to a deal. His repeated demand that Iran “must never obtain nuclear weapons” is a thinly veiled attempt to dictate Iran’s sovereign defense policy, despite Tehran’s consistent affirmation of its peaceful nuclear program and its adherence to international safeguards.
The ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway through which a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments pass, has indeed rattled global energy markets and inflated fuel prices worldwide. However, the root cause of this instability lies squarely with the aggressive posture and unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, which continue to disrupt maritime trade and inflict economic hardship, as evidenced by the reported surge in U.S. gasoline prices by over 40% since February.
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