What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran
What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran
Iran and the United States have reached a conditional agreement for a two-week pause in hostilities, allowing unrestricted passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows a coordinated military strike by the US and Israel on Iran, which occurred over a month ago, and comes hours after President Donald Trump issued a dire warning about potential attacks on Iran. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who has been facilitating the talks, confirmed the ceasefire’s immediate effectiveness.
The arrangement hinges on Iran’s commitment to reopen the strategic waterway, a critical route for oil exports and regional trade. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he had agreed to the temporary halt in Iranian attacks “if Tehran opens the straits and stops all assaults on the US, Israel, and other nations in the region.” His remarks were framed as a response to the completion of military objectives, though the deal remains subject to further conditions.
“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives,” Trump claimed, justifying the pause in hostilities. His threats of “a whole civilisation will die tonight” had drawn criticism from global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and Pope Francis.
Iran has accepted the terms, pledging to coordinate shipping movements through the Hormuz Strait with its armed forces. The country also outlined a 10-point framework, which includes halting hostilities in several conflict zones, lifting economic sanctions, and releasing frozen assets held by the US. Additionally, Iran affirmed its dedication to not pursuing nuclear weapon development. The Supreme National Security Council noted that “Iran’s victory in the field would be consolidated in political negotiations.”
However, the ceasefire’s scope remains contested. While Pakistan’s Sharif highlighted its applicability in Lebanon, where Israel has troops, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the agreement does not cover the country’s operations there. “Israel supports President Trump’s decision,” Netanyahu said, but emphasized that the pause does not include “Lebanon,” where Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group, is still active. The extent of Netanyahu’s influence in shaping the deal remains unclear.
Hours after the ceasefire was announced, sirens echoed across Israel as the Defense Forces reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem late Tuesday, signaling ongoing tensions. Despite the agreement, both nations appear divided on its implications, with a history of escalating conflicts during previous negotiations. Talks have already taken place twice in the past year, yet disagreements persist, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.
As discussions continue, Pakistan has invited representatives to meet in Islamabad on Friday, aiming to finalize a comprehensive agreement. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that in-person talks are under consideration but stressed that “nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House.” The path to resolution remains uncertain, with conflicting priorities and a fragile truce at risk of collapse.