A few hours before a possible generalized conflict in , an unexpected diplomatic move seems to have changed the course of developments. According to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, its supreme leader, , has ordered his negotiators to move toward a deal for the first time since the crisis began.
This development came at a time when the president of the United States, , was publicly escalating his rhetoric, even threatening “total destruction”. Behind the statements, however, was intense and chaotic diplomatic maneuvering, resulting in a temporary truce.
Background of tension and uncertainty
According to information, in the last few hours, the Pentagon and American forces in the Middle East were preparing for extensive attacks on Iranian infrastructure. At the same time, US allies in the region were anticipating fierce retaliation from Tehran, while inside Iran, citizens were leaving their homes fearing massive bombings.
“Nobody knew what was going to happen. It was chaotic,” a US defense official was quoted as saying.
Diplomatic “marathon”
At the same time, a fever of deliberation was going on in the background. US special envoy Steve Witkoff called the original Iranian proposal a “disaster”, setting off a cycle of constant amendments.
Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey delivered, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi playing a pivotal role. According to sources, his intervention with the Revolutionary Guards was decisive, in order for them to accept an agreement.
Iran’s stance proved to be decisive, as all final decisions went to the supreme leader. “Without his ‘green light’, there would be no deal,” said a regional source.
The critical turning point
Despite the apparent progress, Donald Trump has continued to escalate his rhetoric, going so far as to warn that “an entire civilization can be lost overnight.” At the same time, there were reports of a break in the talks, but these were not confirmed by sources of the negotiations.
Vice President Jay D. Vance reportedly took an active part in the contacts, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in constant communication with the American side, expressing concerns about the course of developments.
By noon, consensus had formed for a two-week truce. A few hours later, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif released the terms of the deal, calling on both sides to accept it.
The last minute decision
Despite pressure from allies to reject the deal, Donald Trump eventually accepted it, after previously securing compliance.
Minutes after the announcement, US forces were ordered to suspend operations. For his part, Abbas Araghchi said that Iran would respect the ceasefire and allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under certain conditions.
Fragile balance
Despite the temporary de-escalation, significant questions remain about the duration and stability of the agreement. The resumption of shipping, the terms of Iran’s nuclear program and disagreements between those involved leave open the possibility of renewed tension.
The next talks, expected to be held in Pakistan, are seen as crucial to whether the truce will be the start of a more permanent solution or just a brief respite in an ongoing crisis.
