Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR..
Whatever are claims, justifications and excuses on the part of part of warring parties but it remained very satisfactory. So far one can easily says that on end of around two days talks between high ranking officials of both United States and Islamic Republic of Iran, the most possible and realistic outcomes are: the ceasefire may be extended. Iran may receive some financial relief and easing of trade restrictions. Iran may potentially be allowed to collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, though permitting Iran for limited trade of oil is still under discussion but the issue came under debate after a prolonged period, which might be cinsidered a good omen. Whereas both Iran and the United States agree to continue negotiations. In this respect, other issues such as uranium enrichment, full control over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and peace in the Middle East are still under discussion. Likewise the issue of peace in Lebanon will be considered in upcoming negotiations, which may continue for several months. The matter of limited Israeli attacks on Lebanon is also under discussion. Some of the high ranking officials including US vice President returned but the two sides agreed on continuing of negotiations in Islamabad. Now on the request of Pakistan another round of talks also held at Islamabad (Sunday) . Though outcomes or minutes of Sunday meeting yet to be ascertained but it included control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran wants full control over it, while the United States is seeking a shared arrangement, which is being described as unrealistic.
Iran plans to manage the Strait of Hormuz jointly with Oman. In thus respect, Iran reported agreed on allowing friendly countries friendly to pass freely, while others would have to pay transit fees. Payments could be made in cryptocurrency, Chinese yuan, or Iranian rial. Iran’s such a proposal could encourage European and Asian countries—such as France, Spain, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and India—to resume trade and improve relations with Iran despite previous sanctions.
In the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia has already extended a hand of friendship toward Iran, and Pakistan is expected to follow. But on the other hand US allies like United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait could find themselves in a difficult position. No one can neglect the fact that latest round of war, especially Iran’s over a month long resistance leads to changing of strategic diplomatic partnership in this particular region. In last four decades, after an end to so-called cold war, thr United States has enhanced its influence in this particular Asian Region. Besides establishing its basis in several Arab and Central Asian Regions, the US has also monopolised oil trade and production in almost of Arab countries. After Gulf, Iran -Kuwait war, the US receiving war expenditures from the later. Similarly Iran paying US aggression charges in shape of oil. And similar are US demands from UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and several other Gulf countries. The recent war caused irreparable losses to almost of Gulf countries but at the same time, it also enabled its leadership to review its relations with US and Islamic Republic of Iran. Now it is the time for almost members of international community, especially Muslim Ummah to get rid of US clutches. In this respect, all these Muslim countries must realise the words and precedents laid down by late Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1973. In 1973, Shaheed Bhutto by hosting the historical Islamic Summitt had initiated efforts for making United the Islamic countries. But unfortunately not only Shaheed Bhutto but even several other Muslim leaders and rulers punished by US spy masters through one or the other ways. Now it is the time for leaders and rulers of all Islamic countries to realise their prime responsibilities at this crucial stage.
