US-Iran Peace Deal Could Take Months; Gulf States and Europe Urge Ceasefire Extension

(CNA Dubai/London, 16th) Bloomberg News reports that officials familiar with the matter indicate some leaders from Gulf Arab and European nations believe a peace agreement between the United States and Iran could take approximately six months to reach. Consequently, they are advocating for the warring parties to extend their ceasefire to cover this negotiation period.

According to these officials, the leaders are calling for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore energy shipments. They have privately warned that a global food crisis could emerge if navigation through this critical waterway is not restored by next month.

Officials added that energy prices could climb further if the conflict persists.

Gulf nations maintain the view that Iran still intends to develop nuclear weapons—a stance that remains unchanged following joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Therefore, these countries believe any peace agreement should prohibit Iran from enriching uranium or possessing long-range ballistic missiles. However, most Gulf leaders oppose a return to hostilities and hope the U.S. will resolve the issues with Iran through diplomatic channels.

Spokespeople for the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain did not immediately respond to Bloomberg's requests for comment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) cited an April 8 statement, emphasizing the necessity of "unconditionally reopening the Strait of Hormuz."

The UAE statement pointed out the need for a "comprehensive and sustainable strategy" to address various Iranian threats, including its nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, drones, military forces, and affiliated proxy organizations and terrorist groups.

Rob Macaire, a former British Ambassador to Iran and current board member of the London-based think tank Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs), stated: "A U.S.-Iran agreement will not emerge in the short term... the key is not just whether negotiations succeed, but whether a renewed escalation into actual military conflict can be avoided for the foreseeable future. This is feasible, but there may be voices within Iran eager to resume missile attacks; the overall situation is like a high-stakes standoff."

Bloomberg noted that the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran expires next week. Washington and Tehran are currently considering a two-week extension to buy more time for negotiations.

However, there is still no guarantee that the two sides will extend the ceasefire or reach a formal peace agreement. (Compiled by Hsu Jui-cheng) 20260417