The Brussels International Center welcomes the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and calls for a sustained diplomatic path to regional stability.
Brussels, April 8, 2026 - The Brussels International Center (BIC) warmly welcomes the announcement of a two-week “dual” ceasefire between the United States and Iran. This humanitarian and strategic pause represents a vital opportunity to move beyond the military escalations of recent weeks and return to the diplomacy necessary to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.
Committed to addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict, the BIC views this ceasefire as a courageous and necessary first step. The cessation of hostilities provides a crucial opportunity to respond to urgent humanitarian needs across the region and to stabilize global energy markets, which have been severely impacted by the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ambassador Marc Otte, President of the BIC, stated:
“This ceasefire demonstrates that there is no military solution to the complex and systemic challenges facing the Middle East. We urge all parties to use these two weeks not just as a temporary truce, but as the foundation for a new regional security architecture that prioritizes the fundamental rights of all the region’s inhabitants. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a positive development for global stability, but it must be followed by a genuine commitment to lasting de-escalation.”
The BIC emphasizes that for this ceasefire to hold and evolve into a sustainable peace, the international community, led by the European Union and the United Nations, must provide strong and coordinated diplomatic support. The Center calls on the European Union to leverage its unique position to facilitate the upcoming negotiations in Islamabad, ensuring that human rights, accountability, and the protection of civilians remain at the heart of the political process.
The BIC stresses the importance of inclusive diplomacy. Countries in the region, particularly those directly affected by the recent military operations, should be actively involved in the negotiations aimed at achieving a final settlement. This approach is essential for establishing binding guarantees that protect regional security and ensure appropriate compensation for losses, in line with relevant UN resolutions.
Accordingly, the BIC remains committed to providing practical, research-based policy recommendations to support the parties involved in navigating this transition from conflict to dialogue. The Center encourages both Washington and Tehran to engage constructively in the proposed peace framework, demonstrating the transparency and political will be necessary to prevent a relapse and a return to hostilities.
