Iran’s ex-FM Zarif proposes peace roadmap; Gulf points at erosion of trust
Why it matters: One-fifth of the world's crude oil and natural gas supplies are impacted by Iran's restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif proposes a peace roadmap, published in Foreign Affairs, that includes Iran limiting its nuclear program under international monitoring and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran would commit to never seeking nuclear weapons and blending its enriched uranium stockpile below 3.67%, rejecting Trump's demand for zero enrichment as "fanciful."
- The plan calls for the US to end all sanctions and UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, and for both countries to accept a mutual nonaggression pact.
- Gulf states are wary, pointing to a severe erosion of trust following Iran's attacks on neighbors, including the UAE's Habshan gas facility and Kuwait's power plants, and its restriction of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates Iran possesses 440kg (970lb) of uranium enriched to 60%, a level quickly convertible to weapons-grade material.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has proposed a peace roadmap to de-escalate the US-Israeli war on Iran, suggesting limits on Iran's nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for an end to sanctions. However, Gulf states express deep skepticism, citing a significant erosion of trust due to Iran's recent attacks and restrictions on the vital waterway.
