The Islamabad MoU signed on 17 June between Pakistan, Iran and USA to pause the war for 60 days, and allow the resumption of the negotiations in accordance with the roadmap provided in the document. The negotiations were to be completed within the given timeline. The MoU applied to the entire theatre of war in the Gulf including Israeli aggression in Lebanon. The parties reached a tacit understanding to prioritize the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent the potential collapse of the global economy. The clause 5 of the MoU has given a clear and definite line of action for the parties to follow. 

The USA was to lift the blockade of the Seaports of Iran, while the latter was to initiate immediate talks with Oman to chart out a framework for the regulation and operation of the free passage of marine traffic through the Strait for 60 days only, in consultation with the other littoral states. The document also covered all the matters of concern to Iran including sanctions’ relief, the release of frozen assets, and funds for the rebuilding of Iran. Talks about the latter’s nuclear programme were to be held later on. The document was welcomed all over the world.

Iran has since been holding talks with the Sultanate of Oman. During the first two weeks, the mercurial and unpredictable disposition of President Donald Trump started betraying signs of impatience, imposition, arrogance and annoyance. He was being defied by Netanyahu in Lebanon, the Gulf allies were reluctant to continue relying on the USA for security, Iran, quite intentionally, was opening the Strait haltingly to not let its control........

© The Friday Times