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Tensions ease in the Middle East as tentative ceasefire holds between Iran and Israel after days of deadly airstrikes.
A fragile ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to be holding early Wednesday, following days of intense aerial conflict between Iran and Israel. Both nations have signaled a halt to their military operations, raising cautious hopes that diplomatic negotiations may pave the way for longer-term de-escalation.
Trump’s special envoy to the region, Ambassador Rick Halston, told reporters in Doha that the peace talks were “promising but delicate,” and that both sides had agreed to a “cooling-off period” to continue dialogue. “The immediate threat of escalation has been paused, but a durable peace will require more trust-building steps,” Halston said.
The ceasefire, announced late Tuesday, follows a week of tit-for-tat airstrikes that left dozens dead and key infrastructure damaged in both countries. The international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, has welcomed the pause, urging both Tehran and Jerusalem to commit to continued diplomacy.
Sources close to the talks say that while Iran is demanding relief from sanctions in exchange for long-term de-escalation, Israel is seeking security guarantees from regional actors.
Despite the relative calm overnight, military analysts warn that the situation remains volatile. “This isn’t over it’s a pause. Both sides are watching closely for any perceived violation,” said Dr. Lina Morsi, a senior analyst at the Middle East Policy Forum.
Further negotiations are expected to continue through the week in Qatar, where backchannel discussions involving Gulf states and EU diplomats are underway.
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