Ceasefire between the US and Iran: step towards peace or temporary truce?

Trump demands to stop violence in the Middle East

Donald Trump called for an end to attacks in the Middle East after Israel bombed Hezbollah positions in Beirut. The action left three dead and 16 injured, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

The US president assured that talks with Iran were close to reaching an agreement that would bring stability to the region, including Lebanon. He warned that the process should not be hindered and hoped that the pact will be signed in the next few hours.

“I hope we can seal the deal and avoid an Iranian military response,” Trump declared.

Israel defended the offensive as a response to previous Hezbollah aggressions against the north of its territory. However, the bombing occurs just when international mediators are seeking to conclude a ceasefire that includes the Lebanese situation.

Iran responded with warnings: any deal must consider fighting on Lebanese soil. Iranian officials said there will be consequences if the attacks continue.

The potential pact would not immediately resolve key disputes — such as the Iranian nuclear program or economic sanctions — but would establish a period of technical negotiations. The international community maintains pressure to avoid a further escalation and achieve a diplomatic solution.

A citizen initiative to open the debate

The Libertad para Morir collective launched a campaign to gather 20,000 signatures and present to the Congress of Mexico City a proposal on medical assistance in dying, aimed at people with terminal illnesses or intolerable suffering.

Asunción Álvarez del Río explained during a conference that the initiative seeks to expand the options available for those facing serious illnesses. He pointed out that currently there is palliative care and the possibility of refusing treatments, but not an assisted death alternative.

The collection of support is carried out through an application of the National Electoral Institute (INE). The objective is to reach the percentage of the capital’s electoral roll that is required by law for the citizen initiative to be discussed by legislators.

Álvarez del Río indicated that they are not seeking the support of political parties or deputies, but rather to comply with the necessary signatures to force the local Congress to review the proposal during the next legislative period, which begins in September.

The campaign has the support of organizations such as the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity, the Dignified Death Now Coalition and Practical Laboratory for Democracy. The promoters stated that they will continue collecting signatures during June and July to reach the goal.

Preliminary agreement

The United States and Iran reached a preliminary peace agreement this Sunday to end three and a half months of hostilities in the Middle East. The announcement was made by Pakistan, whose Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, confirmed that the signing will take place next Friday in Switzerland. Both Iran and Donald Trump gave the go-ahead.

The conflict, started on February 28 by the United States and Israel, has left more than 7,000 dead and shaken regional alliances. It has hit the global economy and threatens Republican prospects in November’s midterm elections. All to achieve, after a rollercoaster of lurches, what already existed before the war: the open Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian promise not to seek nuclear weapons.

The markets reacted immediately. Brent crude fell more than 3%, to around $84 a barrel, its lowest level since the start of the conflict. The dollar also fell.

Details and next steps

“A peace agreement has been reached between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Sharif wrote in X. “Both sides have declared the immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. The official ceremony will be on June 19 in Switzerland.”

Trump, on his 80th birthday, wrote in Truth: “The Iran deal is now closed. Congratulations everyone! I fully authorize the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.” Then he clarified that it will be after the signing, to clean up mines.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed to the Tasnim agency that the memorandum of understanding is finalized. Iran claimed to have achieved last-minute concessions on Lebanon and the lifting of the blockade on its ports.

A definitive agreement will be negotiated over 60 days. The lifting of sanctions, the Iranian nuclear program, supervision mechanisms and a reconstruction plan will be addressed. Iran expects to receive 24 billion dollars frozen abroad and a reconstruction plan of at least 300 billion. Washington conditions the tranches on Iranian compliance.

The mistrust is deep. Iran warned that it will take action if the US violates the terms. Trump does not want an outcome similar to the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), from which he withdrew the United States in 2018. The withdrawal accelerated the Iranian nuclear program. Now, the challenge is to implement what was agreed.