Do Not Mistake Relief for Resolution

Relief is not a plan, but it is not nothing. After weeks of watching a regional crisis threaten the sea lane that keeps so much of the world moving, the possibility of a US-Iran understanding is worth welcoming. It is also worth handling carefully.

The temptation of the better headline

Markets love a cleaner story. So do people. A claim that the war may be ending, that Hormuz may reopen, that the weekend may bring signatures, gives everyone a reason to unclench. But the region has lived long enough with high stakes to know that an encouraging headline can still fail inspection.

Iran has not given its final approval. Israel is not a party to the US-Iran document. Lebanon remains active. The Strait of Hormuz is not truly open because someone says it might be.

What steadiness looks like

The right response is not cynicism. It is steadiness. Welcome the diplomacy, prepare for the delay, and resist the urge to declare the crisis over before ships, insurers, airlines and governments have behaved as if it is.

The Gulf can breathe today. It should keep its shoes by the door.