There is no iota of doubt that today is a defining moment of historic proportion to the world. After 40 days of the unprovoked war feloniously and deliberately launched by US and Israel against Iran, today it was announced that an armistice or a ceasefire was reach: reluctantly by the US and Iran despite its complete mistrust due to the relentless efforts by Pakistan as the mediator.

In his post at X, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that: I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.

A huge strategic defeat for the US

Central to this development of events, I wholly concur with the insightful and consistent viewpoint of Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago Robert Pape when he said that the 10-point peace plan found “acceptable” by Trump now circulating is a huge strategic defeat for the US. Indeed, this is the biggest loss since Vietnam of Pax Americana. Clearly, it shows the surge of Iran as the emerging 4th center of world power.

The 10-point ceasefire demands are as follows:

1. Commitment to non-aggression
2. Continuation of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz
3. Recognition of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment
4. Lifting all primary sanctions
5. Lifting all secondary sanctions
6. Termination of all United Nations Security Council resolutions
7. Termination of all Board of Governors resolutions
8. Paid compensation for Iran
9. Withdrawal of US forces from the region
10. Ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon

On the US side

Trump in all his blusters and megalomania declared that the ceasefire was a complete victory for the US, yet no sane person except his equally narcissistic counterpart from Tel Aviv agrees with his claim. In the words of US senator Chuck Schumer: I’m glad that Trump backed off and is desperately searching for any sort of exit ramp from his ridiculous bluster.

The Iranian side

As usual, the calm demeanor and the brave honorable pronouncement of the Iranian Foreign Minister is worthy of respect and attention. Mr. Abbas Aragnchi said that:

“In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council:

“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.

“For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”

Iran’s Victory

It is my belief and so hold that this victory was attained on Iran’s terms by virtue of their people’s unparalleled courage, their army’s earth-defying determination, the intellectual wisdom of their political, religious and diplomatic leaders and of course by the various resistance forces at different theaters of war.

A Disgraceful Exit

The Al Jazeera report is correct. This is a fragile exit for Trump and a narrow diplomatic window. Indeed, “analyst Trita Parsi described the ceasefire as a strategic retreat by Trump, arguing the conflict had “become an absolute disaster” and forced the White House to seek a way out. “Trump needed an exit, and he took it,” he said, warning the next two weeks will be decisive, either opening a path to genuine diplomacy or allowing tensions to flare again.” Further, “Parsi noted there is “potential” for meaningful talks, but cautioned “we’re not quite there yet,” underscoring the fragility of the moment. Even if negotiations fail, he added, a return to full-scale war is unlikely in the same form. Iran still retains key leverage, particularly its ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, giving it the capacity to exert sustained pressure on both Washington and the global economy.”

On the potential formal negotiations with the United States

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stressed that the temporary ceasefire does not mean an end to war, pending negotiations on the details of the 10-point proposal. Given that they were twice betrayed and attacked by the US and Israel, it is certain that the Iranians will be more cautious, prepared and deliberate at the negotiating table. As they said then, security for all or no security at all.

Jose Mario D. De Vega

Instructor

Faculty of General Education and Experiential Learning

Philippine Normal University-Manila