Chatting with Caren Miosga: Peace Talks Could Soon Happen Between Israel and Iran, Says Iran Expert Steinberg
Negotiations for Peace May Initiate within Few Weeks, According to Islamist Steinberg
On the evening of Sunday, ARD's "Tagesthemen" discussed the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. Sophie von der Tann, ARD's Israel correspondent, reported on a ballistic missile that struck south of Tel Aviv, causing destruction. Despite effective air defense in many areas, the Israeli population's trust in their defense shield has been shaken. However, many Israelis support their government's actions against Iran.
Iranian rockets generally don't target residential areas, as stated by Iran expert Guido Steinberg. He highlighted the limited military capabilities of Iran, attributing the modest results achieved by the Iranian airforce to these limitations.
Steinberg explains that Iran is in a weaker position due to the recent setbacks of affiliated organizations and Syria, a former Iranian ally, no longer being on Iran's side. With U.S. sanctions hindering the production of combat aircraft, Iran has depended on its rocket program as a countermeasure. However, according to CNN journalist Fred Pleitgen, some Iranian rockets have warheads of up to 750 kilograms, capable of reducing a house to rubble.
Iran is technologically inferior to Israel but still poses a threat, Pleitgen suggests. After the initial shock, Iran is gradually regaining composure, as evidenced by the increasing air attacks. Iran possesses several thousand ballistic missiles, including some from Libya, as well as cruise missiles and drones they may deploy. It's worth noting that many components of Iranian rockets are "Made in Germany."
Assessing the Current Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts
- Hostilities: Recent tensions between Israel and Iran escalated with Israel launching significant operations against Iranian targets.
- Diplomatic Outreach: Iran has turned to Qatar and Oman as mediators to negotiate a ceasefire and reopen nuclear talks.
- International Involvement: President Trump expressed encouragement for both parties to negotiate a deal, with the hope for peace to be imminent.
Predicted Timeline and Conditions
- Immediate De-escalation: Direct or indirect talks between Israel and Iran through intermediaries could pave the way for a ceasefire.
- Short-term Negotiations: After the establishment of a ceasefire, negotiations focused on securing a lasting peace agreement would follow.
Essential Conditions for Peace Talks
- Ceasefire: An immediate ceasefire is crucial for meaningful discussions. Flexibility in nuclear negotiations is expected from Iran if a ceasefire is achieved.
- International Mediation: The involvement of third-party mediators like Oman and Qatar is seen as essential for facilitating communication between Israel and Iran.
- Nuclear Talks: Restarting nuclear negotiations is an important condition for Iran.
- US Involvement: President Trump's active engagement is key to pushing both parties towards a deal.
Potential Hurdles
- International Support: Gaining broad international support, including from Europe, is necessary for the success of any peace talks.
- Long-term Commitments: Achieving lasting peace requires both Israel and Iran to make long-term commitments to resolving core issues such as nuclear proliferation and regional security concerns.
- Wars and Conflicts
- Israel
- Iran
- Caren Miosga
- Peace Talks
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft resolution concerning the European Union's diplomatic efforts to facilitate peace talks between Israel and Iran, given the ongoing war-and-conflicts between these two countries. In the realm of politics and general-news, this process could significantly impact the future relations between Central and Eastern European countries and the European Union.
