Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A senior Iranian political figure involved in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts was wounded in a recent airstrike on Tehran, raising concerns that fragile prospects for de-escalation between the United States and Iran may be deteriorating amid intensifying conflict.
According to reports cited by The New York Times, Kamal Kharazi, a veteran diplomat and former foreign minister, was injured when a residential building in the Iranian capital was struck during joint US-Israeli operations. Kharazi, 81, is widely regarded as a pragmatic voice within Iran’s political establishment and had reportedly been involved in efforts to facilitate indirect communication channels aimed at reducing tensions.
Iranian state media indicated that Kharazi had been engaged in coordination with regional intermediaries, including Pakistani officials, to help arrange a potential diplomatic meeting involving JD Vance. The reported initiative was seen as part of broader attempts to explore an off-ramp from the ongoing conflict.
Officials in Tehran condemned the strike, describing it as a deliberate attempt by Israel to undermine diplomatic efforts. The accusations come at a time when Washington has sent mixed signals regarding its intentions. While Donald Trump has publicly stated his desire to bring the conflict to a close, military operations have continued at an intense pace.
In a national address, Trump said the US campaign against Iran was “nearing completion” after several weeks of sustained aerial and naval strikes. He suggested that the conflict could end soon, but stopped short of providing a concrete timeline. At the same time, he warned that further escalation including potential strikes on critical infrastructure, remained on the table if Iran did not agree to terms.
These remarks have drawn scrutiny from international observers, particularly following suggestions that US forces could target civilian-linked facilities such as desalination plants, a move legal experts have warned could violate international humanitarian law.
Vice President Vance has reportedly played a more cautious role behind the scenes, advocating for diplomatic engagement and warning against deeper military involvement, including the risks of a ground invasion. However, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that meaningful negotiations with the United States are currently underway.
The broader conflict has already had significant global repercussions. Following the reported death of Ali Khamenei, Iran escalated its response by restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical crude oil transit routes. The strait accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making any disruption immediately consequential for international markets.
Energy prices have surged in response. Brent crude rose sharply, briefly exceeding $100 per barrel, while financial markets reacted negatively, with major US indices posting declines amid uncertainty over the conflict’s trajectory.
Despite the economic fallout, Trump characterized the rise in energy prices as temporary, expressing confidence that markets would stabilize once hostilities subside. He also suggested that the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz would eventually resume without direct intervention.
Analysts, however, warn that the situation remains volatile. With diplomatic channels appearing fragile and military operations ongoing, the risk of further escalation continues to cast a shadow over both regional stability and the global economy.
