Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as new diplomatic dynamics unfold

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

Nearly a week has passed since Israel and Iran shocked the world by agreeing to a ceasefire—bringing a sudden, if fragile, halt to months of escalating conflict.

While the guns have quieted, questions remain: How durable is this truce, and what were the real outcomes of the U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure?

With President Trump pushing for a new nuclear agreement and Tehran pivoting eastward—turning to China and suspending oversight by global watchdogs—the Middle East is entering uncharted diplomatic territory.

Add to that Trump's vow to tackle North Korea next and talk of a Gaza ceasefire within days, and the global security picture grows even more complex.

As power dynamics shift and regional players multiply, we ask: Is this the start of lasting peace—or just a pause before the next storm?

For a deeper discussion on this, we connect to Ban Kil Joo, Assistant Professor at Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Welcome

Also joining us from Utah is Austin J. Knuppe, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Utah State University. Great to see you.

(Ban Kil Joo) Let's begin with the status of the ceasefire itself.

It's been nearly a full week since Israel and Iran agreed to a truce on June 24th. At this point, would you say the ceasefire is holding steady?

(Austin J. Knuppe) Now, shifting to the aftermath of the strikes Prof. Knuppe, there are still questions surrounding whether Iran's nuclear infrastructure was fully dismantled.

While the Trump administration continues to tout the mission as a success, what do we actually know about the extent of the damage?

(Ban Kil Joo) Moving on to Iran's internal response, Tehran's parliament recently passed a resolution to halt cooperation with the IAEA, a move that signals its intent to step outside international oversight.

Could this mean Iran is trying to conceal and resume its nuclear development?

— And is there any chance Iran could formally withdraw from the IAEA?

(Austin J. Knuppe) Turning now to the diplomatic front. President Trump has announced plans to engage Iran in nuclear negotiations this week.

He's reportedly preparing incentives to encourage Tehran to come to the table. Do you think we're on the verge of a new nuclear deal?

(Ban Kil Joo) Following the ceasefire, Iran's defense minister made a rare trip to China, asking Beijing to help sustain peace with Israel.

Prof. Ban, In your view, does this mark a broader push by China to deepen its influence in the Middle East?

(Austin J. Knuppe) Let's take a broader look, so now we're seeing regional power dynamics move away from U.S. dominance, with players like China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia asserting a bigger role.

Prof. Knuppe, How might this new multipolar order affect both the durability of the truce and prospects for nuclear talks?

— Could this mean more complexity and less U.S. leverage?

(Ban Kil Joo) Meanwhile there are concerns that attention may soon shift to the Korean Peninsula.

After recent gains in the Middle East, speculation is growing that President Trump may now focus on North Korea.

Just this past Thursday, he said he has a "very good relationship" with Kim Jong-un and intends to resolve tensions.

Prof Ban, Could we see renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang—and what kind of reaction should we expect from the North?

(Austin J. Knuppe) Staying in the region. Following the Israel-Iran truce, President Trump said a Gaza ceasefire might also be reached within the week.

Al Jazeera has reported a spike in related diplomatic activity. Do you think a Gaza ceasefire is realistically within reach?

(Ban Kil Joo) And finally, before we wrap, even if things look relatively stable for now, what key variables remain that could still threaten the sustainability of the Israel-Iran ceasefire?