The first major test of the US-Iran 60-day deal is now in Lebanon. Will the ‘De-Conflict Cell’ formed between Hezbollah, Israel and the ceasefire bring peace or create a new crisis?
Bergenstock Resort (Switzerland): The diplomatic battle between the superpowers, which dragged on till after midnight in the mountains of Switzerland, finally came to a historic halt in the early hours of Monday. The first round of high-level talks, which began with the aim of forever calming the horrors of war between America and Iran, has ended. Pakistan and Qatar, which are mediating, have described this diplomatic effort as “inspiring hope”. Both the countries have prepared a diplomatic roadmap for the next 60 days, but there is a suspense hidden behind this grand agreement, which can throw the whole world into the fire of war again at any time.
That secret decision of midnight: Was the Great War averted?
After marathon meetings in Switzerland, America and Iran have agreed to a very shocking decision. Both countries have announced the formation of a joint “de-conflict cell” to stop the ongoing horrific violence in Lebanon. The Lebanese government will also be involved in this cell, whose main task will be to ensure that military operations on the ground are completely stopped.
What did Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi say?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised the efforts of Qatar and Pakistan, writing in a post on the social media platform ‘X’ that “major progress” has been made towards ending the Lebanon war. Under this interim relief, plans have been agreed to lift the ban on Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports, end the blockade, release frozen assets and rebuild Iran. But, what Aragchi wrote at the end of his post has raised eyebrows from Washington to Jerusalem – “The first real test of this whole deal will be the ‘Lebanon De-Conflict Cell’.”
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That ‘secret’ ceasefire of 4 pm on Friday: How strong is this peace?
This diplomatic success has come to light when just a few hours ago, rivers of gunpowder were flowing between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. 47 people were killed in Israeli attacks, while 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in Hezbollah counterattacks. Amidst this dreadful period of violence, according to a senior US official, a secret ceasefire was suddenly implemented at around 4 pm local time last Friday. Both Hezbollah and Israel have ratified the ceasefire, which averted the collapse of an interim agreement reached last week. But the question still remains: Will this ceasefire be able to handle this delicate diplomatic process of 60 days?
Trump’s ‘aggressive maze’ and fear of radicals
The biggest obstacle facing this peace effort remains the aggressive stance of US President Donald Trump himself. Trump is continuously giving statements that Iran should not get any economic benefit from this diplomatic deal. He believes that Iran is in a very weak situation at the moment, so Washington should accept its conditions. Experts believe that Trump’s sharp rhetoric and Israel’s insistence against Hezbollah can sabotage this agreement at any time. If Hezbollah fires even a single rocket, Israel is intent on turning Lebanon into a crematorium again, which will directly bury this 60-day deal forever. In the low level technical talks starting from Monday, it will now have to be seen how this ‘De-Conflict Cell’ saves this peace resting on a pile of gunpowder.
60 day countdown begins
An important 60-day diplomatic process has now begun with the talks in Switzerland. During this time, low level talks will continue and the de-confliction cell formed in Lebanon will try to stop the conflict. A ceasefire has now come into effect and there has been a temporary reduction in violence, but the real question still remains – will this peace last or will Lebanon once again put the entire agreement in jeopardy? The eyes of the world are now not on the conference hall of Switzerland, but on the war-torn areas of Lebanon, where the coming days will decide whether this historic deal will be a success or another incomplete diplomatic effort.