A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran has emerged from a tense mix of public threats and intense behind-the-scenes diplomacy, with several countries quietly stepping in to avert a full-scale war.
Key players such as Pakistan, China, Egypt, and Turkey played significant roles in easing tensions and facilitating dialogue.
The breakthrough came when Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, signalled for the first time during the conflict that negotiators should move towards a deal. This “green light” proved crucial, with one regional official saying, “Without his approval, there wouldn’t have been a deal.” Despite security concerns, Khamenei remained closely involved, communicating through indirect and discreet channels.
The agreement took shape during what has been described as a “chaotic” day of diplomacy. US envoy Steve Witkoff initially rejected Iran’s proposal as “a disaster,” but mediators—including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt—worked through multiple drafts to bridge differences. By Monday night, a revised proposal for a two-week ceasefire had received US approval and was awaiting Iran’s final response.
Even as negotiations progressed, US President Donald Trump publicly escalated rhetoric, warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” Behind the scenes, US forces were preparing for potential large-scale strikes, and even senior officials remained uncertain about the outcome. “We had no idea what was going to happen. It was wild,” a defence official said.
China also played a quiet but crucial role in persuading Iran to accept the ceasefire, while cautioning about the global economic and energy risks of a prolonged conflict.
By Tuesday, both sides had moved closer to a ceasefire framework. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly shared the terms, and despite pressure from allies, Trump ultimately accepted the deal after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pakistan’s army. (Agency)
