Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has praised the people of Iran for their resilience during the recent conflict with Israel and criticized US President Donald Trump for his unpredictable leadership.
Reacting to Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Mufti said, “Firstly, I salute the people of Iran for the sentiment with which they fought this war and brought the US and Israel to their knees.”
She further lambasted the American President, stating, “Since Trump has come to power, he has belittled the office of the US President. He himself doesn’t know what he is going to say or do next.”
Background: Escalation and Ceasefire
Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated in recent weeks following a series of tit-for-tat strikes across the Middle East, including attacks on diplomatic compounds, military installations, and commercial shipping routes. The US, a long-time ally of Israel, found itself drawn into the conflict, prompting widespread international concern over the potential for a broader regional war.
In a surprise move over the weekend, US President Donald Trump announced that both Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire brokered with Washington’s mediation. The announcement came after days of diplomatic backchanneling and intense pressure from global powers urging de-escalation.
Trump, speaking from the White House, claimed the ceasefire was a “historic step toward peace,” but reactions to his statement have been mixed, with critics accusing him of erratic diplomacy and shifting narratives.
Political Reactions and Regional Sentiment
Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment in parts of South Asia that view the conflict through a prism of historical grievances and global power imbalances. Known for her vocal positions on international affairs, Mufti has often highlighted what she sees as Western hypocrisy in global conflict mediation.
Observers say her comments also signal solidarity with nations resisting perceived US dominance, a stance that resonates with various political and social groups in Kashmir and beyon (DD)