Experts Warn: Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between Iran and the U.S. 'Still a Long Way Off'

On May 11, following reports that Iran has responded to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, Sultan Barakat, a professor at Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, issued a warning against expecting quick breakthroughs in negotiations. Barakat stated that a comprehensive peace agreement is still far off and should not be seen as the end of the U.S.-Iran conflict for a long time. He pointed out that Iran has accumulated significant resentment during this war, with the Supreme Leader and his family, as well as several senior officials, having been killed, and the immense destruction caused by the war making it difficult for the Iranian people to trust the U.S. However, both sides hope to extend the ceasefire as much as possible and use it as a starting point for gradual negotiations to resolve various issues. Barakat noted that Iran initially hoped to reach a comprehensive peace agreement but has now shifted to a phased approach. He speculated that Iran may wish to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and proposed a plan for joint oversight with the U.S.