US Mediates Israel-Iran Ceasefire, Iran Remains Wary
Diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in the Middle East reached a critical juncture when US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The surprise announcement was made via the Truth Social platform just days after US airstrikes hit Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump stated that the two countries had agreed to cease hostilities, in the hope of reaching a more permanent peaceful solution.
The Israeli government immediately responded positively to Trump’s statement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country had agreed to halt military operations after achieving its “main objective” of destroying Iran’s nuclear and missile threats. Israel also asserted that it was willing to maintain the ceasefire as long as Iran also exercised restraint.
However, Tehran’s response was more cautious. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that there was no final agreement on his part, and that Iran would only temporarily halt military operations for 24 hours — on the condition that Israel completely ceases attacks first. Iran also rejected negotiations under pressure and demanded guarantees that the agreement would not be violated in the near future.
In addition, Tehran also involved Gulf countries such as Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to pressure the US to ensure that Israel complies with the ceasefire. Iran emphasized that they are willing to open diplomatic space, including on nuclear issues, if the situation calms down and the attacks stop completely. For now, Iran chooses to remain alert, maintain its bargaining position, while monitoring whether Israel will truly comply with the agreement that Trump has conveyed.(ayu)
Source: Newsmaker
