Tehran, Iran. Iran has sent its response to a U.S. proposal to begin peace talks to end the war, as two carriers were allowed to pass through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Drone activity was reported over several Gulf countries, highlighting continuing regional risks despite a ceasefire.
Iran response sent via Pakistan
Iran’s IRNA news agency reported on Sunday that Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal had been sent to Pakistan, which is mediating. The proposal involves ending fighting before starting talks on more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, and no details were immediately available.
Shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz
After about 48 hours of relative calm following sporadic clashes last week, the QatarEnergy-operated carrier Al Kharaitiyat passed safely through the strait and was heading for Pakistan’s Port Qasim, according to data from shipping analytics firm Kpler. It was the first Qatari vessel carrying liquefied natural gas to cross the strait since the United States and Israel started the war on February 28.
Sources said the transfer had been approved by Iran to build confidence with Qatar and Pakistan, both mediators in the war, and came after a wave of power blackouts in Pakistan caused by a halt to gas imports.
Separately, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that a Panama-flagged bulk carrier bound for Brazil, which had previously attempted to transit the strait on May 4, passed through using a route designated by Iran’s armed forces.
Pressure on U.S. diplomacy and regional security incidents
With U.S. President Donald Trump due to visit China this week, pressure has been mounting to end the war, which has ignited a global energy crisis and poses a growing threat to the world economy.
Despite diplomatic efforts and the passage of the Qatari tanker, concerns remained high over shipping lanes and regional economies. On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted two drones coming from Iran, Qatar condemned a drone attack that hit a cargo ship coming from Abu Dhabi in its waters, and Kuwait said its air defences dealt with hostile drones that entered its airspace.
How do the latest shipping transits and drone incidents affect your view of security in the Strait of Hormuz?