New Delhi: Even as the conflict between Iran and Israel shows no signs of easing on the battlefield, parallel diplomatic and strategic signals are shaping the crisis, with a US-backed peace push emerging alongside Iran’s calibrated control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Former US President Donald Trump has floated a multi-point proposal aimed at de-escalating the conflict, with reports indicating outreach through regional intermediaries and a possible framework involving curbs on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for sanctions relief and restoration of oil flows. Trump has claimed progress in backchannel talks, hinting at a potential breakthrough.

Around the same time, Iran signalled a limited easing of its maritime stance, stating that “non-hostile” vessels would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, subject to prior coordination. The move comes after days of severe disruption in one of the world’s busiest oil corridors, through which nearly a fifth of global crude supplies transit.

However, the situation on the ground remains far from conciliatory. In a contrasting show of control, Iranian forces recently intercepted and turned back a Pakistan-bound cargo vessel attempting to cross the strait, citing lack of permission and failure to comply with protocols. The incident underlines Tehran’s continued grip over the route, even as it projects selective flexibility.

The dual signals, diplomatic outreach on one hand and tactical enforcement on the other, reflect a broader strategy by Iran to retain leverage over global energy flows while keeping the door ajar for negotiations.

Meanwhile, military exchanges between Iran and Israel continue, with missile and drone strikes reported across multiple locations, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.

With the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the unfolding crisis and global oil markets on edge, the coming days could prove critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts gain traction or tensions spiral further.

BI Bureau