Article:
In a significant development, European leaders have welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, calling for a permanent solution to the conflict. Yesterday, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, issued separate statements on the matter. Expressing their delight at the last-minute negotiations leading to the ceasefire, the leaders commended Pakistan’s efforts in mediating the dispute and offered support for the country’s role in achieving a lasting peace.
President Costa stated, “I welcome the announcement of the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and urge all parties to maintain the conditions for a sustainable peace in the region. The European Union stands ready to support ongoing efforts and remains in close contact with its partners in the region. I would like to thank Pakistan and all parties involved for their efforts in making this agreement possible.”
President von der Leyen echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I welcome the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and view this as a vital step in reducing tensions. I would like to thank Pakistan for its mediation efforts. It is essential that negotiations continue to find a lasting solution to this conflict. The European Union will maintain its coordination with partners to achieve this goal.”
High Representative Borrell also issued a statement, saying, “The agreement on a ceasefire is an important step after weeks of tension, providing an opportunity to reduce risks, halt the flow of missiles, resume navigation, and move towards a lasting agreement through diplomacy. I would like to thank Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, for his efforts in facilitating this agreement. The European Union is committed to supporting ongoing efforts and remains in close contact with its partners in the region.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, revealed that Iran had prepared to respond strongly to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, but Pakistan intervened to prevent escalation. The US Central Command released a statement on Operation Desert Storm. Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced that Israel will expand its borders after the war, with the laying of the foundation stone for new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, stated that direct negotiations have begun between Lebanon and Israel. The Russian company, Atomstroyexport, will remove its remaining equipment from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Despite the ceasefire, Iran’s President stated that the attacks on Lebanon by Israel have violated the ceasefire agreement, and Iran will not leave the Lebanese people alone. The CEO of the UAE’s state-owned oil company, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, urged the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Leaked images and videos show the former leader’s personal, military, and alleged secret meetings. Former Prime Minister, Omar Abdullah, stated that Pakistan’s actions were a response to India’s potential actions. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who was once a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, is now maintaining a safe distance due to changing political and economic circumstances.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held a telephone conversation. Somya Sallouha Hassan, the head of the Somya Sallouha Hassan Foundation, has decided to limit the number of vehicles in her official convoy. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced that Israel will expand its borders after the war, with the laying of the foundation stone for new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
