New Delhi, Delhi, India
Amid ongoing global attention on the evolving situation in West Asia, former senior diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni has described the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran as a necessary and pragmatic step toward de-escalation, while also criticizing earlier escalatory rhetoric.
Speaking in New Delhi, Soni emphasized the importance of the two-week ceasefire as an opportunity for both sides to pause hostilities and reassess their strategies. “It makes sense for the two warring nations to find at least a breathing period when you can reassess your situations both on the ground and even on the political discussion angle,” he said.
According to him, continuous conflict prevents meaningful dialogue and decision-making. “If they are threatened by everyday action, fire and destruction, then nothing gets done,” Soni noted, highlighting how sustained military engagement can hinder diplomatic progress.
He further explained that the temporary truce provides both physical and psychological relief to the involved parties. “By agreeing to this ceasefire for two weeks, it will give them time to reassess the situation on the ground, physically and mentally,” he added, underlining the strategic value of even a short pause in hostilities.
At the same time, Soni strongly criticized remarks made earlier by Donald Trump regarding Iran. Referring to statements about destroying Iranian civilization, he said, “I think it was a very stupid statement,” calling such rhetoric counterproductive in sensitive geopolitical situations.
He argued that such threats are unlikely to influence a country like Iran, which has a long and resilient history. “Iran wouldn’t have bowed down or buckled down because of that threat… You must remember you cannot destroy a civilisation which is 5,000 years old,” Soni remarked, emphasizing the cultural and historical depth of the nation.
His comments come as global analysts continue to assess the implications of the ceasefire, which is being seen as a temporary but critical window for diplomatic engagement. While the agreement has reduced immediate tensions, experts believe that long-term stability will depend on sustained negotiations and mutual restraint.
Soni’s assessment highlights both the necessity of the ceasefire and the limitations of aggressive rhetoric, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy in resolving complex international conflicts.
