Hope-line for peace

The calculus from Washington is one of hope, unless despaired from assumptions on ground. The Strait of Hormuz is still a bone of contention between the US and Iran, as a new regional order is in the making under the dynamics of a 40-day war. The good point is that President Trump has once again signed in to reason by suspending his war plans in the Persian Gulf. His decision to "pause" 'Project Freedom', a sabre rattling mission intended at crossing swords with Iranian naval forces, has come close on the heels of Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing an end to 'Operation Fury' that unnecessarily destabilised the region, sent oil prices skyrocketing and pushed the globe to the verge of a recession. Yet, nothing is lost if the warring sides decide to exhibit statesmanship, and take a step back from the brinkmanship they have been posturing for domestic consumption.

A series of behind-the-curtain diplomatic interactions have apparently brought the US and Iran on the same page. They now have reasons to believe that an understanding to end the war and set a framework for detailed deliberations could be attained. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visits to Islamabad, Moscow, Beijing and Muscat have led to a thaw, leading to prospects of a reported 30-day talking session to iron out differences. The White House has focused its synergies on an enrichment deal, aimed at curbing nuclear ambitions of the Islamic Republic as a quid pro quo for security guarantees and lifting of sanctions. While Tehran too is not eager for a bomb, all it desires is its rightful acknowledgement in global affairs, and an end to encirclement of its trade and shipping muscles.

This moment of restraint should not be lost to any childish trigger-happiness. The fact that Iran and the UAE held back from going over the brink the other day, as drones hit Fujairah's oil installations, is a sign of positivity. Similarly, Israel must put an end to its jingoism over Lebanon, and let the uneasy truce graduate into a perpetual peace accord. There is no room for any misadventure at this point.