It is reported that Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic contacts since Sunday so as to try and get the US and Iran to sit down for talks “as soon as Tuesday”.
In case you missed the headlines over the weekend, US president Trump said that he was still optimistic about a deal. And that is despite the pushback from Iran in closing the Strait of Hormuz again, after being unhappy with the US maintaining its naval blockade. Trump added that US representatives will be heading to Islamabad today for talks. However, Iran has not confirmed its participation yet.
I still reckon we will see some form of negotiation between both sides again some time this week. It could be as early as tomorrow but I wouldn’t hold my breath on it. And that especially if wanting to expect a comprehensive peace deal and any major reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On the latter, Iran knows that control over the strait is their most important leverage at the moment. So, I can’t see how they would give that up. Sure, they might loosen restrictions over who and how many vessels can pass through but I would not expect a total reopening.
Trump has threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran if there is no deal but we’ll have to see if he will really follow through on that this time around.
As a reminder, the fragile ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire on Wednesday.
This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.