Diplomacy is trying to take a step forward to stop, or at least freeze, the Gulf War, but the thread risks breaking at any moment. The mediators presented the so-called “Islamabad agreement”: a 45-day truce to allow negotiation on all open issues, including the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal and Tehran’s no
The plan, mediated by Pakistan, provides for an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations for a comprehensive agreement to be concluded in 15-20 days. But Tehran has rejected the hypothesis of a temporary truce, presenting a ten-point counter-plan which aims first of all at the definitive cessation of hostilities.
Iranian demands also include an end to tensions in the region, a protocol for safe passage through Hormuz, compensation and the lifting of sanctions. In any case, according to what transpires, the strategic hub will not be reopened in exchange for a temporary truce. The Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reiterated the line of the resistance: “Crimes and killings will not affect us.”
Trump: “Iran can be eliminated overnight”
The mediators’ proposal was defined as “an important but not sufficient step” by Donald Trump, who immediately relaunched the pressure on Tehran with a new ultimatum. “Iran can be eliminated overnight and it could happen Tuesday night,” he said, pointing to the final deadline for a deal.
On Easter Sunday the American president further raised the tone with a message published in Truth: “Open the damned Strait, you crazy bastards, or you will live in hell”, announcing that the bombs could hit “bridges” and “power plants” in the country.
Ultimatum at 8pm Tuesday (New York time)
The White House extended the ultimatum by one day, set for 8pm on Tuesday in the United States (2am on Wednesday in Italy), to give one last chance to negotiations before a possible green light for a massive bombing campaign. «We’ll see what happens. The war could end quickly if they do a few things,” Trump added, stressing that negotiations are “progressing well” and that he has “the best plan.”
Israel continues raids, Erdogan accuses
Meanwhile, on the military front, Israel continues its operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his hard line after the raids on Iranian petrochemical sites, including South Pars, and the killing of military leaders: “We will continue with all our strength, on all fronts, until the threat is eliminated.”
Türkiye and Egypt also remain involved among the mediators. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Israeli government of “continuing to undermine all initiatives aimed at ending the war.”
The chances of an agreement in the short term are however considered slim, while tension in the region remains very high.