Even with Gulf on edge, negotiations stalling, experts say peace with Israel 'possible' - analysis
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- Gulf countries are experiencing heightened tensions due to renewed US focus on Iran and recent US strikes in the region.
- Despite regional unease, experts suggest peace with Israel remains possible if a two-state solution is embraced.
- Negotiations appear stalled, with Gulf nations prioritizing Israeli engagement with Palestinians before potentially joining normalization accords.
Regional tensions are escalating in the Gulf, fueled by the United States' renewed push for a deal with Iran and recent US strikes in southern Iran, which the US Central Command stated were defensive actions to protect its troops.
US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.
The US conducted these strikes on May 25, coinciding with Memorial Day. This comes as President Donald Trump has been pressuring Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to join the Abraham Accords. However, these countries seem to be resisting, indicating a preference for seeing Israel engage with the Palestinians first.
Arab News reported that the strikes targeted boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites. The situation is complex, especially as Iran's top negotiator and foreign minister were in Doha for talks with Qatar's prime minister regarding a potential deal with the US to end a three-month war. Both Washington and Tehran have downplayed hopes for an immediate breakthrough.
US forces on Monday conducted strikes in southern Iran against targets, including boats attempting to lay mines, and missile launch sites, in what it described as defensive actions.
Saudi Arabia desires reduced tension, with Qatar and Pakistan actively mediating. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently in India, has stated that the US will give diplomacy every chance to succeed. He mentioned a "pretty solid thing on the table" for opening the Strait of Hormuz and entering significant, time-limited negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
The strikes came as Iran’s top negotiator and its foreign minister were in Doha for talks with Qatar’s prime minister on a potential deal with the US to end the three-month-old war, an official briefed on the visit said on Monday, after Washington and Tehran played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough.
Despite the volatile regional dynamics and Israel's increased attacks on Hezbollah, Arab News editor-in-chief Faisal J. Abbas noted that peace with Israel is achievable, provided the country embraces a two-state solution. The ongoing complexities highlight the delicate balance of diplomacy and security in the region.
US would give diplomacy every chance to succeed.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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