A tentative calm has emerged across the Middle East after the United States, Iran, and their allies agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire, raising cautious hopes for de-escalation following weeks of intense conflict.
The announcement was welcomed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who confirmed that the truce would apply across all affected regions, including Lebanon. He also invited delegations from both sides to Islamabad for further negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent settlement.
The White House said discussions are underway regarding potential in-person talks with Iran, though no final decision has been made. Iran, meanwhile, indicated readiness to begin negotiations as early as Friday, with Pakistan expected to play a key mediating role.
Tehran has outlined a 10-point framework for ending the conflict, demanding recognition of its uranium enrichment program and the lifting of all US sanctions. Iranian officials also assured that safe transit through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz would be maintained during the ceasefire period.
Despite the diplomatic progress, violence has not fully subsided. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike in the city of Sidon killed at least eight people and injured more than 20, according to local health authorities, underscoring the fragility of the situation.
Earlier, heightened tensions gripped the Gulf region as countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates issued missile threat alerts, urging residents to seek shelter amid fears of further escalation.
Israel has stated its commitment to the ceasefire but acknowledged it was informed at the last minute, suggesting coordination challenges among allies.
In parallel, global markets reacted swiftly to the easing tensions. Oil prices dropped sharply, with US benchmark crude falling nearly 7% after former US President Donald Trump announced a delay in planned strikes against Iran.
While the ceasefire offers a brief window for diplomacy, the situation remains volatile, with upcoming talks in Islamabad seen as a critical opportunity to prevent a return to wider conflict.