Talks between the United States and Iran are set to take place on Friday in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will welcome delegations from both the US and Iran following the declaration of a ceasefire in West Asia.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of both countries and invited them to engage in decisive dialogue to resolve the dispute. Pakistan, which has recently strengthened ties with US President Donald Trump while remaining sensitive toward neighboring Iran, has emerged as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. Prime Minister Sharif expressed confidence that the “Islamabad talks” would help achieve lasting peace. Both Tehran and Washington agreed to a two-week ceasefire early Wednesday, just an hour before the deadline set by President Trump for action against Iran. The 40-day conflict between the US/Israel and Iran was halted through Pakistan’s mediation.
The war began after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. On February 28, Israeli and US forces reportedly killed more than 50 senior Iranian leaders and officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf nations, US military bases, and Israel. Iran-backed group Hezbollah also attacked Israel, drawing Lebanon into the conflict.
Sharif stated that a ceasefire has been implemented in Lebanon and surrounding areas. However, Israel insists that operations against Hezbollah are ongoing, denying a full ceasefire in that region. Turkey and Egypt have also contributed to mediation efforts in recent days, while China helped bring Iran to the negotiating table, according to international news agency AFP quoting President Trump.
Both sides claim victory
Following the ceasefire agreement, both the United States and Israel have declared themselves victorious. Global reactions highlight the serious challenges of maintaining peace and stability in West Asia.
Ceasefire welcomed
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to work toward long-term peace. South Korea expressed hope that the ceasefire would ensure safe passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Australia warned of long-term impacts of the war and stressed the need to maintain the ceasefire. New Zealand said that while the ceasefire is positive, much work remains for lasting peace. Japan emphasized the need for concrete steps to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq welcomed the ceasefire and urged both sides to engage in serious and sustainable dialogue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would support US efforts to ensure Iran does not pose future nuclear, missile, or terrorism-related threats.
Oil prices drop
Following the ceasefire announcement, global oil prices fell by more than 17 percent, and Asian stock markets showed improvement. However, disagreements over a long-term resolution remain. Iran has demanded the lifting of US sanctions, recognition of its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of US forces from the region. It has also reiterated its stance that its uranium enrichment program must be recognized. President Trump, on the other hand, insists that any final agreement must fully control Iran’s nuclear program. His claim that Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons has not been supported by international bodies.
Human chain overnight
After Trump’s strong warning to “destroy Iran,” images emerged of Iranian citizens forming human chains overnight to protect energy infrastructure. Following the ceasefire, pro-government demonstrations took place in Tehran, with protesters chanting slogans against the US and Israel and burning flags, reflecting strong domestic anger.
More than 2,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict so far. The violence across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf region has caused significant human and economic damage. Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has also created serious pressure on the global economy.
