The US also preferred that Iran lift its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. Obviously, Iran could not be expected to throw away its most important card. Trump, however, did not let the Strait of Hormuz come in the way of the first round of the Islamabad talks.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz. He was criticised by Iranian hardliners. This was indicative that there is an absence of a final decision-maker in Tehran. The strait was again closed by Iran when Trump stated that the blockade would continue till Iran agreed to a deal.
In a telephone call to Trump, his ‘favourite’ Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly advised him that the blockade was an impediment in the negotiations. Reports claimed that he had told Munir that he would consider his advice, but later, Trump denied that Munir had advised him on the blockade.
The chances now are that the second Islamabad meeting will take place with both the blockade and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz going on.
The world suffers as Trump and Iran play out their game of chicken.
(The writer is a former Secretary [West], Ministry of External Affairs. He can be reached @VivekKatju. This is an opinion piece, and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)