WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, stepping back from imminent military action just hours before a key deadline tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The decision followed high-level diplomatic engagement involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, signaling a significant role for Islamabad in de-escalation efforts.
In a statement shared on his platform Truth Social, Trump described the arrangement as a “two-sided ceasefire,” conditional on Iran ensuring the immediate and secure reopening of the strategic shipping route. He added that key military objectives had already been achieved and that both sides were close to reaching a broader, long-term peace agreement.
The U.S. president also revealed that Washington had received a 10-point proposal from Tehran, calling it a “practical framework” for negotiations. He said the temporary pause would allow both sides to finalize a comprehensive deal aimed at ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed that the ceasefire reflected acceptance of Tehran’s terms, characterizing it as a strategic win for Iran.
Officials in Washington confirmed that Israel has also agreed to suspend its military operations during the two-week period.
Earlier in the day, Shehbaz Sharif had indicated that diplomatic efforts were gaining momentum and urged both sides to allow space for negotiations. He called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture and appealed for a temporary halt in hostilities to pave the way for a lasting settlement.
Talks Expected in Islamabad
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the ceasefire arrangement, stating that negotiations with the United States would take place in Islamabad over the next two weeks based on Tehran’s proposed framework.
However, Iranian authorities emphasized that the ceasefire does not signal the end of the war, noting that a permanent resolution would depend on finalizing all terms during talks. Officials warned that their forces remain on high alert and would respond decisively to any violations.
Separately, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran could facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period in coordination with its military.
Sharp Shift After Escalation
The ceasefire marks a dramatic shift from earlier developments, when Trump had warned of devastating strikes on Iran’s infrastructure if his demands were not met. Intensified military action had targeted key sites, including energy facilities and transport infrastructure, while Iran retaliated with strikes in the Gulf region.
The conflict, now entering its sixth week, has resulted in thousands of casualties across multiple countries and has severely disrupted global energy markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes has driven up oil prices and heightened fears of a global economic slowdown.
The agreement offers a temporary window for diplomacy, as international pressure mounts to prevent further escalation and secure long-term stability in the region.
