On April 8, The New York Times reported: "Trump announced before the deadline expired that he agreed to suspend airstrikes and attacks on Iran for two weeks; Israel also declared a two-week ceasefire; Iran's Foreign Minister stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be open for two weeks; Araghi issued a statement early this morning saying Tehran would halt retaliatory actions for two weeks and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian National Security Council announced on Wednesday that Iran will hold political negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, Pakistan, for two weeks, to confirm the gains achieved in ground combat."
[Clever] A few comments: A two-week ceasefire has put the Middle East on 'pause,' but peace is far from secured! On April 8, the U.S., Israel, and Iran all simultaneously agreed to a two-week truce—Hormuz Strait reopened, and talks in Islamabad are imminent. The flames of war in the Middle East suddenly hit the brakes. This is not a declaration of victory, but rather a pragmatic compromise born out of exhaustion by all three sides. History bears witness: the 1973 oil embargo severely damaged the economies of the U.S. and Europe. In this conflict, oil prices surged over 40% at one point, pushing global supply chains to the brink of collapse. Trump’s last-minute compromise was driven by fear of war undermining his re-election prospects and inflation rebounding against him; Israel’s ceasefire stems from concern over Iranian missiles covering the entire country and mounting domestic protests; Iran’s concession comes as its military facilities suffered damage and economic survival under sanctions became unsustainable.
Pakistan emerges as the biggest beneficiary of this diplomatic mediation, filling the void left by the absence of traditional mediators in the Middle East. But the two-week pause is merely a breathing space. Iran demands the lifting of sanctions, withdrawal of U.S. forces, and war reparations; the U.S. insists on Iran abandoning nuclear ambitions and dismantling its 'resistance axis.' The differences between them remain vast. Historically, temporary ceasefires in the Middle East have often been mere delaying tactics—and this one is unlikely to be an exception. Ceasefire is a means, not an end. Two weeks from now, either a breakthrough agreement is reached, or fighting resumes. Peace in the Middle East remains precariously balanced on a knife’s edge.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861863093756995/
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