US Awaits Iran' Response as West Asia Peace Efforts Gain Momentum

Tehran: Diplomatic efforts to end the more than two-month-long conflict in West Asia have intensified, with signs of a slight easing of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The international community is now closely watching for Iran’s response to a new peace proposal put forward by the United States aimed at ending the conflict.

While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that Iran would respond soon to Washington’s proposal, there has been no official confirmation from Tehran so far. Meanwhile, Rubio met Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Miami to discuss regional security and long-term stability in West Asia.

In a significant development, an LPG gas tanker from Qatar passed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to Pakistan on Saturday — the first such transit since the conflict began. Reports suggest that Iran permitted the passage in an effort to maintain trust with countries involved in mediation efforts. Global pressure has been mounting on all sides to end the conflict, given its growing impact on the world economy and energy markets.

Despite ongoing peace discussions, sporadic clashes continue to be reported in the region. U.S. fighter jets allegedly intercepted and turned back two vessels attempting to enter an Iranian port. Separately, the UAE stated that it had intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran on Friday, adding that three people were injured in the attack.