US, Iran, and Pakistan Set to Sign Peace Agreement in Geneva Amid Israeli Opposition
The United States, Iran, and Pakistan are scheduled to sign a preliminary agreement to end a conflict that has lasted over 100 days, with the ceremony planned for this Friday in Geneva. The agreement proposes lifting sanctions on Iranian oil and releasing $24 billion in frozen assets. Meanwhile, Israel continues its airstrikes in Lebanon, expressing firm opposition to the deal. Prime Minister Netanyahu has strongly condemned the agreement.
Kathmandu, July 16 – The United States, Iran, and Pakistan announced on Sunday their intention to sign the accord. US President Donald Trump hailed the historic agreement as a catalyst for peace and security in the broader region. Representatives from the warring nations are expected to convene in Switzerland on Friday. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council described the document as a memorandum of understanding. Although not a final settlement, the pact is anticipated to open dialogue between the parties, particularly concerning contentious issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and related sanctions.
Tehran has presented certain preconditions for potential future negotiations. President Trump has also warned of the possibility of renewed military actions. Detailed terms of the preliminary peace accord have yet to be officially disclosed. However, officials from both the US and Iran have shared their interpretations of the deal’s implications. According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, all combat and military operations will cease immediately and permanently from midnight Monday, including on the Lebanon front.
US Vice President JD Vance announced that a high-level signing ceremony will take place this Friday in Geneva, Switzerland. Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are also traveling to Geneva to sign the agreement. President Trump has been diplomatically active, having spoken on the phone with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday, primarily discussing the Iran agreement. The peace accord between the US and Iran has received widespread international welcome.
However, Israel maintains strong opposition to the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has directly expressed his dissent to President Trump, emphasizing that the agreement will not be binding for Israel. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated, “Trump’s deal does not bind us. Israel is a sovereign nation.” Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Golan has criticized the Netanyahu government’s strategy, calling the agreement the biggest strategic failure in Israel’s history.