With the temporary peace accord between the United States and Iran scheduled to be formally signed in Geneva on Friday, the arduous journey of negotiations is only beginning. The agreement halts hostilities, but the details of a long‑term settlement remain unresolved. Critical questions — such as the future of the Strait of Hormuz and the trajectory of Iran’s nuclear programme — have been deferred for later discussions. For this fragile peace to endure, both sides must demonstrate flexibility and patience.

Yet even as the ink dries on the accord, there is one actor determined to undermine the process: Israel. The reaction from Tel Aviv has been openly hostile. The Israeli establishment had hoped that Washington’s military campaign would decisively cripple Iran. That outcome did not materialise, and the Islamic Republic has survived the joint assault. The bitterness in Israel is palpable, and its leaders have already signalled their intent to continue occupying Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian territories. Across the political spectrum, from the far right to more moderate voices, there is consternation over the deal, with threats of unilateral action in Lebanon. Should these threats be carried out, the peace process could unravel swiftly.

President Donald Trump, despite his administration’s close ties with Israel, has recently expressed frustration with Tel Aviv’s behaviour. At the G7 summit, he urged Israel to act “more responsibly” in Lebanon and was reportedly furious over Israeli strikes on Beirut just as the accord was being finalised. His anger reflects the delicate balance Washington must maintain: pursuing peace with Iran while restraining its ally from actions that could reignite conflict.

The stakes are immense. If the Geneva accord holds, it could mark the beginning of historic normalisation between Washington and Tehran, reshaping the geopolitics of the Middle East. Conversely, if talks collapse, the region could plunge into a confrontation even more brutal than the recent war, with devastating consequences for the global economy. Israel, as Pakistan’s foreign minister warned earlier this year, has already attempted to derail the peace process and is likely to do so again.

President Trump made a grave error in trusting Israel’s counsel when launching military operations against Iran. He must ensure that mistake is not repeated. The path forward requires Washington to provide genuine sanctions relief to Tehran, thereby building confidence and encouraging constructive dialogue. Iran, for its part, must engage sincerely, while the international community must remain vigilant against attempts to sabotage the process.

The Geneva signing is not the end of the story but the beginning of a difficult chapter. Peace will only endure if the principal actors resist provocations, uphold commitments, and approach negotiations with seriousness. The world has been offered a rare chance to move beyond war; it must not be squandered.