Even as threats and missiles continue to fly across the Gulf, the United States and Iran are attempting to keep negotiations alive in order to preserve the fragile ceasefire. Exchanges of fire over the past few days have raised fears that the truce could collapse prematurely, yet on Saturday delegations from both sides were in Oman for technical talks. This was taking place against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s inflammatory social media posts, which have added further uncertainty to the process.

The American leader had earlier declared that the ceasefire was over, though he insisted negotiations would continue. In a post on Saturday, he claimed that “1,000 missiles” were aimed at Iran and alleged that the Iranians were plotting to kill him. His remarks appear to have been triggered by slogans raised during funeral processions for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where mourners called for his death. Reports also suggest that Israeli officials have warned Washington of an alleged Iranian plot against the president.

In such a tense atmosphere, the prospects for peace remain precarious. Should the talks fail, a return to full‑scale war would be the likely outcome. Regional states are therefore scrambling to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing as both Washington and Tehran harden their positions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Iranian president to uphold the Islamabad MoU, while a Qatari delegation visited Tehran on Friday to explore diplomatic solutions. These efforts reflect the recognition that renewed hostilities would damage the global economy and destabilize the wider Middle East.

Israel, however, appears determined to undermine the peace process. Media reports indicate that Tel Aviv has informed Washington of its readiness to conduct further attacks on Iran. Moreover, Israeli intelligence — whether accurate or exaggerated — continues to be fed to the Trump administration, encouraging a more confrontational stance. Ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon have further strained the Iran‑US MoU, complicating efforts to sustain dialogue.

At this delicate juncture, restraint is essential. Iran must ensure that there are no attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee the free passage of vessels. The United States, particularly its leadership, must avoid provocative threats that risk eliciting a strong response from Tehran. Bombastic rhetoric only strengthens hard‑liners and undermines the credibility of negotiations.

Pakistan and other regional states are playing a constructive role in trying to prevent a slide back into hostilities. Their efforts must be supported, while the international community should isolate actors that seek to sabotage the peace process. Unless both sides commit to dialogue and de‑escalation, the region risks being dragged into another destructive conflict, with consequences that will reverberate far beyond the Gulf.

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