The US-Israel war against Iran is now under a conditional ceasefire for two weeks. The global sigh of relief is palpable. Today, Pakistan will host the “Islamabad talks” wherein the two principals — US and Iran — will meet. There is a possibility that these talks will extend into the weekend.

Pakistan has played a central and highly visible role as a mediator in enabling this fragile and temporary pause in hostilities and is to be commended. US President Trump was effusive in his social media post and wrote: “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir for their “tireless efforts” and “brotherly request”.

This accomplishment is being described in Pakistan and the international media as one of the country’s biggest diplomatic wins in years, elevating its global profile under the current hybrid civilian-military leadership. However, true success depends on........

© Indian Express