Gulf states are actively pursuing a multipart peace agreement aimed at preventing the escalation of conflict between the United States and Iran, with a focus on reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz and resolving the ongoing war in Yemen. Central to the talks is a plan to reopen the strait within four days after the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran, as well as securing a substantial withdrawal of Houthi forces from Yemen.

The negotiations, which have involved regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, reflect a broader effort to establish a long-term security framework for the Gulf region. A high-level delegation from these countries recently traveled to Tehran to discuss Saudi Arabia’s conditions for ending the Yemen conflict and to explore a vision that could reduce or remove the U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

Iran, which supports the Houthi movement in Yemen, has begun to acknowledge its role as a mediator in the conflict, with Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, meeting Houthi ambassador Ibrahim al-Dulaimi. The Houthis, in return, have pressed Saudi Arabia to lift what they describe as a naval and air blockade on territories under their control.

While Iran remains firm on its demand for guarantees on sanctions relief as part of the deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, it has shown some flexibility by shortening its original proposal from seven to four days after economic sanctions would be eased. However, discussions over Iran’s nuclear program have yet to advance significantly. Tehran has so far declined to allow the resumption of UN weapons inspections, a key issue that Western powers, particularly European diplomats, consider essential for any meaningful breakthrough with the United States.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband recently urged Iranian officials to permit the reinstatement of these inspections during talks in New York, highlighting international concern over transparency at Iran’s nuclear sites. The United States is closely monitoring the developments but remains firm on demands for concessions from Iran, especially regarding access for UN inspectors.

The Gulf states envision a new regional order with Iran no longer isolated, as it has been since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. A non-aggression pact including six Gulf countries could help fulfill Iran’s strategic objective of being accepted as a regional power, potentially easing its willingness to make necessary tactical compromises on nuclear and security issues.

At the core, the Gulf states’ approach seeks to mitigate the risk of renewed US-Iran conflict by addressing interconnected issues of economic sanctions, nuclear oversight, and regional security, while also aiming to bring a protracted Yemen war closer to resolution. The outcome of these talks could reshape the security dynamics across the Middle East in the months ahead.