Observer: US-Iran peace prospects remain alive amid Hormuz closure

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Middle East observer from the University of Indonesia, Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, assesses that the opportunity for peace negotiations between the United States and Iran remains open amid Iran’s renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The chance for a long-term peace to be realised is getting closer, considering that the negotiating teams of both countries continue to work in Switzerland,” Syaroni said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.

In addition, he noted, the memorandum of understanding agreed by both sides and valid for 60 days has also provided sufficient room for the US and Iran to divert tensions on the ground to the negotiating table.

Syaroni said the presence of US Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as representatives of their respective delegations, represents the commitment and political will to make peace.

“I think this factor is one of the obstacles. The rest concerns technical aspects,” he stated.

Furthermore, Syaroni said the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz this time tends to be temporary, given that the negotiation process between the US and Iran is still ongoing.

“The Gulf countries are in a position of supporting the achievement of an agreement, and this is reinforced by Qatar’s direct presence as a mediator in Switzerland,” he said.

“As long as Israel continues to attack Lebanon, it appears Iran will use that approach as a diplomatic signal,” he added.

ASEAN countries also need to align their vision in facing potential future crises.

“The lesson from the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is the need for regional coordination to seek solutions together. Regional solidarity is an important pillar for the resilience of member states,” Syaroni said.