The United States and Iran have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, allowing the temporary resumption of shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The agreement follows more than a month of escalating tensions after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
The breakthrough came just hours after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, threatening severe consequences if Iran failed to reopen the key maritime route. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who has been facilitating the talks, confirmed that the ceasefire took effect immediately on Wednesday.
Positions from Washington and Tehran
President Trump stated that the US would pause military operations for two weeks, provided Iran ensures full access to the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that the decision was made after the US had achieved its primary military objectives.
The announcement followed earlier remarks by Trump warning of overwhelming force, statements that drew criticism from international figures, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Pope Leo XIV.
Trump later signaled that discussions with Iran could extend beyond security issues to include tariffs and potential sanctions relief. He also warned that any country supplying weapons to Iran could face steep US tariffs.
Iran, for its part, agreed to guarantee safe passage through the strait under military coordination for the duration of the ceasefire. Tehran also outlined a broader 10-point framework, calling for an end to hostilities across the region, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets and compensation for war-related damages. The plan also reiterates Iran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons.
Iranian officials described the ceasefire as both a military and political step forward, emphasizing that future negotiations would be key to consolidating gains.
Israel’s stance and regional tensions
Israel has expressed support for the temporary pause, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backing the suspension of strikes on the condition that Iran halts attacks and reopens the strait. However, Israeli authorities clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where military operations against Hezbollah continue.
Shortly after the announcement, air raid sirens were reported in parts of Israel, with the military intercepting incoming missiles. Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
Next steps and ongoing challenges
Pakistan has invited both sides to continue negotiations in Islamabad, aiming to reach a more comprehensive agreement. US officials have acknowledged that discussions are ongoing, though no final arrangements have been confirmed.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Reports indicate that attacks continued in parts of the region, including drone strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait. Such developments underscore the uncertainty surrounding the agreement.
Key differences between the US and Iran on the terms of the ceasefire, as well as past failed negotiations, suggest that reaching a lasting resolution will be difficult.
International leaders, including those from major European countries and the European Union, have welcomed the ceasefire and called for its full implementation. They have urged all parties to work toward a durable end to the conflict, including extending calm to Lebanon.
For now, the agreement offers a temporary pause in hostilities, but the path toward a lasting peace remains complex and uncertain.
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