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In a significant diplomatic development, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire, characterising the move as a vital step toward regional stability.
In a post on X, the French leader underscored that the cessation of hostilities aligns directly with the strategic priorities his administration has championed since the beginning of the crisis. The President emphasised that France's mission has remained steadfast throughout the duration of the conflict. He noted that the primary focus has been the security of French citizens and the preservation of national interests, while maintaining a close alliance with regional stakeholders. "The announcement of this ceasefire is a very good thing. We have had the same objective since the first day: to protect our nationals and our interests, to stand by our regional partners, and to work toward de-escalation to restore peace and freedom of navigation," Macron stated in his post. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2041803476515090906?s=20 This diplomatic endorsement from Paris follows a breakthrough announcement by US President Donald Trump, who suspended the "bombing and attack" campaign on Iran. Declaring a two-week, double-sided ceasefire, Trump indicated that a 10-point proposal received from Iran was "workable" and would serve as the foundation for negotiating a permanent deal, particularly as the US has already achieved the majority of its military objectives. In a post on Truth Social, the US President revealed that the decision was influenced by high-level mediation involving Pakistan. "Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE!" Trump stated. Elaborating on the strategic shift, Trump noted that the US has "already met and exceeded all Military objectives" and is well-advanced in securing a definitive agreement for long-term peace in the Middle East. He further stated that Iran has agreed to nearly all previous points of contention, and this extension provides the necessary window for a permanent agreement to be finalised. Responding to the peace overture, the Iranian side confirmed its acceptance of the terms, including the guarantee of safe passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz and a temporary halt to military operations. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi clarified the Islamic Republic's position on X, stating that Iran would cease its defensive operations, provided it was not targeted by further attacks. Araghchi, representing Iran's Supreme National Security Council, acknowledged the US acceptance of the general framework of Iran's 10-point proposal as a basis for further dialogue. He confirmed that, for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be facilitated through coordination with Iran's Armed Forces, subject to technical limitations. The momentum toward a diplomatic resolution is set to culminate in high-level discussions later this week. Talks between the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the US delegation, led by Vice-President JD Vance, are scheduled to take place this Friday in Islamabad. (ANI)
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