A moment of risk and opportunity: How two ceasefires could boost US-Iran talks
Donald Trump and the leadership in Iran can take credit for bringing about a ceasefire. The announcement of a 10-day pause in the fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah occurred Thursday night. Iran had demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon, saying talks with the US could not be expected to progress without it.
Benjamin Netanyahu can point to the fact that Israeli troops remain on the ground in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese government now has direct negotiations with Israel. Hezbollah says it will abide by the ceasefire while insisting that it still has its "finger on the trigger". Senior Hezbollah leader Wafiq Safa said, "Not until a proper ceasefire, a real one. Not until Israeli withdrawal. Before the return of prisoners, before the return of displaced people and before the reconstruction. Until then, it is not possible to talk about Hezbollah's weapons." Shirit Avitan Cohen of Israel Hayom wrote, "The ceasefire effectively puts Israel's stamp of approval on the very situation the country had been trying to avoid: legitimising the link between Iran and the Lebanese theatre of operations."
Lina Khatib says the ceasefire paves the way for Israel and Lebanon to continue their face-to-face talks but that the obstacles to a peace agreement between the two are enormous. President Trump has said a deal with Iran is "very close".
Quick Summary
Two ceasefires are in place across the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. This presents both a risk and an opportunity- but what could come of it?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Politics
Israel-Lebanon 10-day ceasefire takes effect as Trump says US 'very close' to deal with Iran
With a ceasefire in place, can diplomacy ease tensions, or will underlying issues ignite new conflicts in the region?
11h ago•4 min read
'We need it' - Srem Sai backs OSP's role despite court ruling
Despite legal challenges, why does a top official insist Ghana still 'needs' the Special Prosecutor?
13h ago•3 min read
US and Hamas hold first direct talks since Gaza truce as ceasefire process stalls
US and Hamas meet for the first time since the Gaza truce - but what did they discuss?
16h ago•2 min read
Asiedu Nketiah urges government to ensure the completion of Afari Military Hospital
Asiedu Nketiah is pushing for the completion of a military hospital - but what's at stake if it remains unfinished?
19h ago•2 min read
