By Staff Reporter
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is now in effect, with a formal peace agreement expected to be signed on June 19 in Switzerland.
The development comes amid cautious optimism that tensions in the Middle East may finally begin to ease after weeks of uncertainty and diplomatic negotiations.
However, the fragile calm was shaken after Israel launched fresh air strikes on the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, despite the ceasefire announcement. The attacks targeted the Dahiyeh area, a stronghold associated with Hezbollah.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, condemned the strikes, arguing that they demonstrate the United States either “lacks the will to fulfil its commitments or the ability to do so.”
The renewed violence has also drawn criticism from the international community. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the attacks, describing them as particularly troubling at a time when a broader agreement is expected to be finalized.
As diplomats prepare for the signing ceremony in Switzerland, questions remain over whether the ceasefire can hold and whether regional actors will commit to a lasting peace.
Source: Aljazeera
