With the official signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to suspend hostilities across all fronts taking place in France on Wednesday, all eyes are on whether this deal can hold.
The agreement does not address all the fundamental issues at play, but rather creates a framework for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, which could yet derail the diplomatic process.
Furthermore, it is an open question as to whether the deal can withstand Israeli efforts to torpedo the prospects for peace by continuing its war of aggression in Lebanon.
Despite these challenges, the signing is a major step in the right direction for a negotiated settlement to end the most consequential global crisis of the 21st century.
Behind the headlines, this week’s agreement is the product of months of patient and cumulative diplomatic efforts by multiple states and organisations.
