Iran submitted a proposal to the US through Pakistan: reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire - with nuclear talks deferred to a later phase. If it sounds unusual to offer the return of the world's oil corridor in exchange for only a pause in bombing - that is because the situation is critical. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi traveled to Islamabad for direct talks, but the American envoy cancelled his travel. No agreement was reached.

The White House responded through spokeswoman Olivia Wales: "The United States will not negotiate through the media." Trump, for his part, stated he wants to maintain the oil export blockade and that Iran has "only about three days" before internal pipeline pressure becomes critical. Three days - that is either a precise assessment or diplomatic pressure. In either case, the situation does not look stable.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil transit points - 20% of global oil trade passes through it. Blocking it is a weapon Iran has previously used only as a threat; now, with an embargo on their own exports, the balance is different.

For Balkan countries that import oil and face European energy pressure, the outcome of these negotiations is not a distant concern. Oil prices do not ask about geography.