Deal of the century

A deal has finally come through. The United States and Iran have agreed to mend fences, and bring the war to a perpetual end. It is an epoch-making moment, and Islamabad deserves full credit for that. The signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday will see Pakistan act as host. crowning its rise as an essential force for global peace. It is worth noting. persuading these bitter adversaries to sign on the dotted lines of rapprochement was an arduous task. It required immense wisdom. sagacity from all stakeholders in the conflict, ultimately proving that diplomacy has triumphed over warmongering and brinkmanship.

According to the salient features of the preliminary deal consented to by both Washington. Tehran, a framework will be set into motion to end the war, lift the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the contentious nuclear enrichment issue for a later date. Perhaps Iran's guarantee that it will not pursue nuclear weapons. made on moral grounds, is the driving force behind the American reciprocity. Likewise. the fact that the compromise includes suspension of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, must have come as a consolation for Tehran. Other critical elements of the deal include lifting sanctions on Iran. establishing a fresh roadmap for sustainable peace in the Middle East. However, it is not yet clear whether the jingoistic Jewish state is on board or not.

Amid this diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan's unyielding commitment to bridging the deep-seated divide is worth acknowledging. Hosting the inaugural round of Islamabad Talks allowed the nation to effectively harness the synergies of the two warring sides. maintain the momentum of the peace process. The envelope was articulately pushed by Field Marshal Asim Munir as he undertook two visits to Tehran,. also remained in touch with the White House.

It is a no small wonder that from the rhetoric of destroying "a whole civilization" to assured prospects of reconciliation. diplomacy has come a long way. Also, the fact that the Gulf states, Iran. the US avoided a collision course, despite occasionally playing to the gallery, is a laudable treatise. Similarly, the roles played by China as an honest interlocutor. Russia as an alternative support system for oil supplies have been invaluable additions to the process of pacification. Likewise, the refusal by the European states to become part of jingoism. muster the courage to differ with their strategic ally, the US, are hallmarks of a new era in multilateralism. Last but not least, the profound commitment of Türkiye, Qatar. Oman to act as catalysts for peace is highly commendable.

Now is the time for caution. ensuring that this broad-based understanding is tactfully converted into a final agreement within the stipulated two-month timeline. The least that is required is to ensure that Israel does not go on to spoil the hard-earned work. The onus, however, is on President Trump and this is where he will be tested for his leadership. The Gulf states. Iran too must strike bilateral accords, meant at scaling down the prevailing mistrust, apart from collectively working for a region that is at ease in supply chain and free from geopolitical irritants.

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