Ceasefire Talks in Pakistan Face Hurdles Amid Middle East Reshuffling
Despite both the US and Iran having strong incentives to end the war, ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan face a total absence of trust and no common ground. US President Donald Trump seeks an exit due to upcoming elections, state visits, and economic pressures like fuel prices, while Iran aims to regroup after suffering massive damage and economic standstills. The conflict escalated significantly following Israeli and US airstrikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family, yet the regime has shown unexpected resilience under potential successor Mojtaba Khamenei. Negotiations are further complicated by contradictory plans from both sides and the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed, threatening the global economy. Without mutual trust, even a temporary ceasefire without resolving wider issues is seen as a positive step to avoid a return to full-scale war.
Wire timeline
Ceasefire Talks in Pakistan Face Hurdles Amid Middle East Reshuffling
Despite both the US and Iran having strong incentives to end the war, ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan face a total absence of trust and no common ground. US President Donald Trump seeks an exit due to upcoming elections, state visits, and economic pressures like fuel prices, while Iran aims to regroup after suffering massive damage and economic standstills. The conflict escalated significantly following Israeli and US airstrikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family, yet the regime has shown unexpected resilience under potential successor Mojtaba Khamenei. Negotiations are further complicated by contradictory plans from both sides and the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed, threatening the global economy. Without mutual trust, even a temporary ceasefire without resolving wider issues is seen as a positive step to avoid a return to full-scale war.
BBC News