Gulf Arab and European leaders believe a potential peace deal between the United States and Iran could take about six months to complete and are calling for any current ceasefire to be extended to cover that period, Bloomberg reported, citing officials familiar with the discussions.
According to the report, leaders are also pushing for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, to restore the flow of energy. Officials have privately warned that failure to reopen the waterway within the next month could trigger a global food crisis.
Energy prices are expected to rise further if the conflict drags on, officials said. Brent crude rose about 3.5%, topping $98 a barrel on Thursday, and remains about 35% higher since the start of the war, despite some relief after a ceasefire was agreed around April 8.
Officials said Gulf states believe Iran still aims to develop a nuclear weapon, despite recent strikes by the US and Israel, and argue that any future deal must ban uranium enrichment and long-range ballistic missile capabilities.
At the same time, Gulf leaders are largely opposed to a return to fighting and are urging Washington to pursue a diplomatic path with Tehran, the report said.
Spokespeople for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The United Arab Emirates referred to an earlier statement calling for the “unconditional reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz and a comprehensive approach that addresses Iran’s nuclear program, missiles, drones and related groups, the report said. Ynet.
