THE announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the war between the US, Israel and Iran resolves none of the issues which caused the conflict.

Beyond an agreement to cease attacks, the arrangements that will hold during the two-week period appear themselves unclear. Each side in the last hours seemed to commit to different versions of the ceasefire in key areas. From Israel’s and USA point of view, the bottom line is clear. The Iranian regime has been significantly weakened in its capacities in a number of key areas though not to the extent, both wanted. Iran has shown remarkable resilience and defiance in the face of blatant Israeli aggression and has met with suitable reply by Iran, though its top leadership has been targeted by Israel and its intentions remain unchanged. This means that whether or not fighting resumes after the current uneasy ceasefire, a long war is set to continue.

Regarding the precise details of the ceasefire, Pakistani Prime Minister said that the deal, brokered by Islamabad, applied “everywhere, including Lebanon.” Such an interpretation would not be to Israel’s liking. A key objective from Jerusalem’s point of view throughout has been to separate the Lebanese front from any larger US-led arrangement with Iran. Israel believes that the Lebanese Hezbollah made a severe error in choosing to enter the war on March 4 after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It wants to use the opportunity to........

© Pakistan Observer