The political situation in the Middle East underwent an unexpected shift after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week truce with Iran. He described the 10-point plan received from Tehran as "an appropriate basis for negotiations" and stated his agreement to halt bombings to give a chance for a final agreement to be reached. This diplomatic breakthrough, achieved with Pakistan's mediation, was widely welcomed internationally as an opportunity for a long-term settlement.
Many countries hailed the initiative as a chance for de-escalation and the resumption of diplomacy. Italy called the halt to hostilities "an extremely positive development," while Turkey saw it as "an important opportunity for regional stability." Asian and Oceanian countries, including Indonesia and Australia, also expressed support, emphasizing the need to respect state sovereignty and the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Arab states and some Western countries reacted with cautious optimism. Saudi Arabia and Egypt supported the truce and Pakistan's efforts, while Spain said it "will not applaud those who set the fire just because they have now come with a bucket of water." Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq joined calls to consolidate the truce and move to serious dialogue aimed at addressing the root causes of the crisis.
According to reports, the first direct talks since the start of the conflict are expected to take place in Islamabad this coming Friday. The Associated Press noted potential discrepancies between the Persian and English versions of Iran's proposal regarding uranium enrichment, which adds complexity to future discussions.
International organizations, including the UN and the European Union, urged all parties to work toward achieving a lasting peace in accordance with international law. The success of the truce and the move toward a long-term agreement depend directly on two key conditions: Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and progress in the comprehensive talks in Pakistan.
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Why did Pakistan act as mediator in these talks, given its own complicated relations with the US and regional dynamics? - Pakistan occupies a unique position: it maintains working relations both with Iran (a neighbor and energy partner) and with the West. Despite tensions with the US, Islamabad has historically played the role of a regional peacemaker, seeking to prevent an escalation of conflict on its borders that would threaten its own security. Its mediation is perceived as relatively neutral within the Muslim world.
What is the historical context and significance of the issue of uranium enrichment for Iran, beyond the current talks? - For Iran, the right to enrich uranium is a matter of national sovereignty, technological independence and pride, tracing back to the peaceful nuclear program initiated under the Shah. After the 1979 revolution, the West grew suspicious of Iran's military intentions, leading to sanctions and isolation. The 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) temporarily eased the crisis, but the US withdrawal in 2018 and tighter sanctions pushed Iran to expand enrichment as leverage and a means of regime survival.
What is meant by the "root causes of the crisis" that Arab states call to address? - By "root causes," Arab states—primarily the Gulf monarchies led by Saudi Arabia—mean not only Iran's nuclear program but also its regional policy: support for proxy forces in Yemen (the Houthis), Syria, Lebanon (Hezbollah), and the ideological confrontation (the Shiite–Sunni divide). They believe that without resolving these issues of Iranian influence in the region, any nuclear agreement will be incomplete and will not guarantee their security.
Full version: ترحيب باتفاق "الأنفاس الأخيرة" بين واشنطن وطهران ودعوات لتحقيق سلام دائم