US-Iran peace talks to take six months, say Gulf leaders

Washington (ANTARA) - Several Gulf state leaders estimate that it will take about six months to reach a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, according to a Bloomberg report on Thursday (16/4). They are urging the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore energy supplies, as failure to do so next month could leave the world facing a food crisis. They also warn that a prolonged war could drive up energy prices. According to the report, Gulf countries believe Iran is still attempting to develop nuclear weapons and consider that a peace agreement must prohibit uranium enrichment and possession of long-range ballistic missiles. However, the Gulf leaders generally oppose resuming hostilities and urge extending the ceasefire while negotiations continue. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and killing civilians. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. On 7 April, the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, followed by talks in Islamabad, but they ended without results. The United States then imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Mediators are currently still trying to arrange the next round of negotiations.