Hormuz Peace Initiative Deserves More Attention

More targeted efforts should be made to promote Iran's regional peace plan, as it can help Middle East prosper in all areas, says a political analyst, who sees great potential in the newly proposed initiative. 
"Hormuz Peace Endeavor, which was introduced by the president and the foreign minister at the United Nations and in their interviews with international media, is one of Iran's most important diplomatic proposals," Reza Nasri wrote in a recent article published by IRNA.
In his speech at the UN General Assembly in September, President Hassan Rouhani put forward the initiative to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Persian Gulf region. 
According to Rouhani, the plan explores various venues for cooperation, including security of energy supply, freedom of navigation and free transfer of oil and other commodities to and from the Strait of Hormuz and beyond, based on the principles of mutual respect, non-aggression and non-interference. 
Details about the plan were later provided by Iran's top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
The peace plan came against the backdrop of rising tensions between Iran and the United States following the Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Riyadh and American officials have blamed on Iran.
Tehran denies any role in the assault claimed by the Yemeni Houthi group, which is currently fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war.

Brighter Future 

Nasri believes that the entire establishment, the media and the civil society should support this initiative because it can usher in a "brighter future" for the region and the next generations. 
"Hormuz Peace Endeavor has a solid legal basis and its components are all completely in line with Iran's national and strategic interests," he said. 
What distinguishes this initiative is its focus on "localization of security", "military-security cooperation" and "arms control", which can help reduce tensions and pave the way for the flow of financial resources toward development projects rather than weapons imports, the expert said. 
"It also introduces steps toward pooling economic resources, joint investments and long-term cooperation, which can lead to lasting peace and stability."

Defusion of Tensions 

Another distinctive feature of the Hormuz peace plan is that it aims to bring regional nations closer, resolve tensions at the grassroots level and promote cultural and scientific cooperation, the political analyst added.  
"It also provides a framework to solve extraterritorial issues related to the environment, terrorism, narcotics, cybersecurity and energy,” he said. 
The measures included in Tehran's proposal are "practical" and aligned with "revolutionary" values, he added, noting that it can serve as a "focal point" for consensus building among different parties and political groups in the country. 
"The [Hormuz] initiative has not received sufficient attention, particularly from the local media in the past several weeks despite its significance, so we should all work toward enriching and promoting it," the article read.