Iran International
Iran will be held responsible for the actions of armed groups it supports, including Hamas, and should be kept out of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, a senior US senator told Iran International on Friday.
“The Islamic Republic will be held accountable for its proxy activity,” Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said. “Iran must stay away from Israel and stop sending money to Hamas.”
She said the ceasefire is vital for Israel’s stability and long-term security, but can only succeed if all hostages, living or dead, are returned and those responsible are brought to justice. “The hostages must come home without exception,” she said.
Her comments came as the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire took effect under President Donald Trump’s plan to end the two-year war in Gaza. The deal, signed by the leaders of Egypt, Turkey and Qatar alongside Trump, began on October 10 and has so far led to the release of 20 living hostages by Hamas in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas also handed over the bodies of 10 hostages, while Israel says the remains of 18 others are still in Gaza and must be returned without delay.
Analysts say Iran’s next steps could shape future talks
Analysts say the Gaza ceasefire could also have wider implications for Iran. A recent commentary from the Stimson Center said the truce may give Tehran another chance to re-engage in diplomacy with Washington if it chooses pragmatism over confrontation. It said that if the agreement endures, Iranian hard-liners could face pressure to support the peace deal or risk further isolation in the region.
A report from Chatham House said that while Trump’s success in securing the ceasefire was significant, the United States needs a clearer Iran strategy to make the peace sustainable. It said that without renewed diplomatic outreach, a cornered and economically strained Iran could act as a spoiler and undermine regional stability.
