World welcomes US-Iran ‘peace deal’ criticised by Israel

The tentative US-Iran deal to end the war in Gaza marks a rare moment of diplomatic convergence in a region long paralyzed by mutual hostility, yet its reception—welcomed by much of the world while condemned by Israel—underscores the fragility of any lasting peace. For months, the war has sprawled across borders, with Iran-backed militias in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq escalating attacks on US and Israeli targets, while Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has drawn global condemnation. A negotiated halt to hostilities would not only spare countless lives but also signal a potential shift in how Washington and Tehran engage in the Middle East, where their proxy conflicts have fueled decades of instability. Should this deal hold, it could open a pathway for broader regional de-escalation, particularly if Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, already warming to Iran, see an opportunity to reduce tensions. Yet the deal’s viability remains precarious. Iran’s nuclear program has long been a flashpoint, and any easing of sanctions tied to its regional behavior risks reigniting debates in Washington about whether Tehran can be trusted to honor commitments. Israel’s fierce opposition—rooted in fears that a weakened Iran would still retain its military influence in Syria, Lebanon, and the West Bank—suggests that even a temporary truce may struggle to survive without deeper concessions. The deal’s critics argue it could embolden Tehran to expand its proxy networks, while supporters counter that prolonged war serves no one’s interests. The broader implications extend beyond Gaza. The war has exposed the limits of unilateral military solutions in the Middle East, where no state can act without consequence. If this deal gains traction, it may encourage other conflicts—such as those in Yemen or Syria—to follow suit, though success hinges on whether all parties can resist the temptation to exploit loopholes. For now, the world watches, hoping this fragile accord is not just another missed opportunity but the first step toward a more stable, if still uneasy, peace.