A ceasefire between the United States and Iran has taken effect amid broad international support, but early violations and ongoing hostilities are raising doubts about its durability before talks in Islamabad. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi hailed the announcement as “welcome news for millions who seek peace.” World leaders warned against provocations that could derail the fragile truce.
The ceasefire took effect with support from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for adherence to international law, and Qatar, which praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan cautioned against provocations, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed violations in several areas and urged restraint.
Gulf states reported missile and drone attacks: Qatar intercepted a missile and advised residents to stay indoors, Saudi Arabia issued alerts before declaring the threat over, and the UAE saw a fire at a gas facility after a missile threat. Kuwait and Bahrain also mounted defensive responses. Iranian state media linked the attacks to prior airstrikes on Lavan Island that damaged refinery infrastructure, as the Revolutionary Guards warned of stronger retaliation following strikes on more than 25 strategic sites.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the ceasefire an achievement, but US President Donald Trump clarified that Lebanon was excluded due to Hezbollah. Trump dismissed a surge of attacks there as a “skirmish,” saying: “They [Hezbollah] were not included in the deal. That’ll get taken care of, too. It’s all right.” This contradicts Prime Minister Sharif’s announcement suggesting Lebanon’s inclusion. The IRGC warned it would respond if Israeli operations against Lebanon continue.
US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American team in Islamabad, accompanied by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Sources cited by The Wall Street Journal reported Iran has told mediators it will boycott the summit unless a ceasefire is established in Lebanon.
