The winner always sets the terms for peace. The world, especially US President Donald Trump, is grappling with the 10-point Iran proposal for a temporary ceasefire. So, who actually won the current war in the Middle East? During crisis times, optics are everything. The clearest and most tempting answer is the Islamic Republic, at least in the short term. Despite the removal of several political and military leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the regime has endured.

There are no visible signs of widespread revolt that could threaten or even overthrow the regime. The regime still holds the power to promote and persuade its citizens of a “victory” narrative — something other countries involved in the conflict will never be able to do. Most importantly, both Iran and its supporters have been measuring Iran’s “success” mainly by its ability to fire missiles and drones at its enemies and its unflinching control over the Strait of Hormuz. Other players, especially the US and Israel, will not be able to craft a similar story for their citizens. Therefore, Iran’s “victory” will likely be the most compelling and widely accepted story in the region and beyond.

Although there are no official versions of the 10-point Iranian plan that could result in a two-week ceasefire, the available details are unconvincing, much less “reasonable” as many claim. There are five major problems with the plan.

One, as the interlocutors will soon realise when they meet in Pakistan this week, several Iranian demands will need to be refined, if not rejected. It is unrealistic to expect Trump to accept Iran’s “right to enrich” uranium for its nuclear programmes. There will be more........

© Indian Express