West's Pressure to Blame for Cold Shoulder to Hormuz Peace Plan

EghtesadOnline: Regional countries have not responded positively to Iran's recently introduced peace plan so far because their decisions are swayed by the West, a political analyst says.

News ID: ۷۴۹۰۶۷

30 November 2019

"The fact that some regional countries have not welcomed the Hormuz peace initiative can be attributed to West's support and provocations. Some of them cannot respond positively, while others do not want to do so," Hossein Rooyvaran also told ISNA in a recent interview.

In his speech at the UN General Assembly in September, President Hassan Rouhani put forward the initiative, which is meant to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Persian Gulf region.

According to Rouhani, the plan explores various venues for cooperation, including security of energy supply, freedom of navigation and free transfer of oil and other commodities to and from the Strait of Hormuz and beyond, based on the principles of mutual respect, non-aggression and non-interference, Financial Tribune reported.

The peace plan came against the backdrop of rising tensions between Iran and the United States following the Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Riyadh and American officials have blamed on Iran.

Tehran denies any role in the assault claimed by the Yemeni Houthi group, which is currently fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war.

‘Effective’ Solution

Rooyvaran, an expert on West Asian affairs, believes that the proposal put forward by Iran is the only way out of existing crises in the Middle East.

"Lasting security cannot be ensured in the region without collective effort and inclusive cooperation. Solutions that address parts of the region or depend on collaboration with extra-regional countries will not produce positive results. Only initiatives that involve all concerned nations and make all of them feel secure can be successful," he said.

The political analyst said the Hormuz peace plan can accomplish this objective and has all the necessary components.

"Iran's initiative emphasizes the importance of cooperation between all regional states and invites the United Nations and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, who hold veto power, to serve as observers. So Tehran's plan is based on international law and principles," he said.

World Powers' Concerns

Rooyvaran also maintains that concerns raised by world powers about the region have been properly addressed in the proposal.

"Countries such as the United States, Britain and France have a role in the region," he said, adding that the Hormuz plan seeks to maintain the balance of power and engage veto-wielding countries.

Regional tensions have escalated since US President Donald Trump last year quit an international nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers and extended sanctions on Iran.

The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in the Middle East, including bombers and air defense personnel, to act as a deterrent against what Washington says is “provocative” Iranian behavior. Tehran says US policies are the main cause of instability in the region.