By securing a two week ceasefire and talks between Iran and the US, Pakistan has entered the history books. While the meeting did not lead to a deal, more talks are expected later this week and it is hoped that the ceasefire will be extended. The sticking points appear to be the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Ironically, the strait was fully open before the US and Israel attacked Iran and the latter was open to negotiations on nuclear issues too. Now, it is the US that is blocking the Hormuz. Despite Trump’s hubris and bluster, the fact is that there is no appetite for war in the US and Trump may have to pay a heavy political price for waging one. I think the American leadership has already realised the fact that it should no longer be egged on by Israel.
Akbar Jan Marwat
Islamabad
