Expert: Failure of U.S.-Iran Negotiations Could Reignite War in the Region

Jaber, executive director of the Middle East Council on International Relations, warned that failure to reach an agreement between Washington and Tehran could reignite the flames of war, pointing out that the region currently exists in a state of "neither war nor peace."

Jaber told Anadolu Agency that the negotiating parties are holding to their positions, with the United States insisting on its conditions, while Iran maintains two key pressure cards: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the mobilization of armed factions loyal to it. He added that the Houthis' engagement in the confrontation and their disruption of maritime traffic in the Bab al-Mandab Strait compound the situation further, while Gulf states incur losses in the oil and liquefied gas sectors due to ongoing disturbances. He noted that escalating tensions and the involvement of new parties in the conflict could amplify the crisis.

Jaber assessed the Mecca agreement signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan as a substantive step toward developing a common position on regional threats. He pointed out that Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have all welcomed this initiative, expressing confidence that the agreement deserves support and follow-up. He also indicated the possibility of the Mecca alliance umbrella expanding to include other countries, expressing his belief that Qatar would be at the forefront of signatories if it were to become a broader regional structure. Jaber also praised Egypt's solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, noting that support directed at countering Houthi threats could pave the way for broader regional cooperation.

Regarding Gulf states' partnership with Washington, Jaber stressed that the strategic relationship extending nearly half a century will remain firm, explaining that countries in the region continue to rely on the United States in political, security, and economic domains.