Middle East cannot remain in state of ‘neither war nor peace’ indefinitely, says Gargash

Dr Anwar Gargash, President Sheikh Mohamed's diplomatic adviser, cautioned that the Middle East cannot sustain a precarious equilibrium of "neither war nor peace" indefinitely. In a recent X post, Gargash emphasized the necessity of a clear vision and direction for the region's stability and the well-being of its people. The upcoming phase should not be constructed upon "fragile foundations" or pacts that disregard international law, peaceful coexistence, and respect for sovereignty.

Ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran have reached an impasse, as both nations issue increasingly exigent demands. Following the US-led military action against Iran on February 28, President Donald Trump has vacillated between advocating for escalation and proclaiming that a peace agreement is imminent. Iran has persistently launched missile and drone attacks on regional countries, including the Gulf, and has also targeted vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

In June, the US and Iran reached a ceasefire, but the situation escalated anew in July when Iran declared the strait closed and the US reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping. Gargash asserted that any subsequent phase must be built on a stable foundation, governed by "clear and shared rules." The country is demanding compensation and an end to US sanctions before reopening the strait, conditions that align closely with the provisions of the contingency peace deal signed in June.

President Trump responded to these demands by proposing his own, which include Iran's reimbursement for damages sustained over the past 50 years, encompassing losses from wars, attacks, and protests, inflicted upon civilians, US forces, and Iranian nationals. He underscored that any such payments should also encompass casualties among civilian demonstrators and US personnel in the region.

Trump's demands, conveyed at the White House, are anticipated to further complicate the prospects of achieving a peaceful resolution. As oil prices surged by 5% following these announcements, the future of the Middle East remains fraught with uncertainty.