In a significant development, Iran and the United States have reached a conditional two-week ceasefire, allowing shipping traffic to resume through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The agreement comes over a month after coordinated military operations by the US and Israel against Iran, and just hours after President Donald Trump issued a stark warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran did not reopen the Strait.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been facilitating negotiations, announced early today, that the ceasefire is effective immediately. President Trump confirmed that he had agreed to “suspend the bombing and attacks on Iran for a two-week period” in exchange for Tehran’s commitment to reopen the strategically important waterway.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated that the provisional ceasefire was reached because “we have already met and exceeded all military objectives.” His earlier threats to take decisive action against Iran drew condemnation from both the United Nations Secretary-General and Pope Leo XIV.
Under the terms of the agreement, Iran will permit vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the next two weeks, with their movements coordinated by the Iranian military. Additionally, Iran has presented a 10-point plan that includes a complete cessation of hostilities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, a commitment to lifting sanctions; the release of Iranian funds frozen in the US, and full compensation for reconstruction costs. The plan also emphasizes Iran’s commitment to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons.
Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that “Iran’s victory in the field would also be solidified through political negotiations.” Prime Minister Sharif indicated that the ceasefire would extend to Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.
While Israel has expressed support for the ceasefire, it maintains that the agreement “does not include Lebanon,” and has resumed airstrikes in southern Lebanon following President Trump’s announcement. Sirens were activated in Israel shortly after the news broke, with the Israel Defense Forces reporting interceptions of missiles launched from Iranian territory.
In response to the ceasefire confirmation, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, “Israel backs President Trump’s decision to halt strikes against Iran for two weeks, contingent upon Iran reopening the straits and ceasing all attacks on the US, Israel, and regional nations.” However, he reiterated that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon, where Israeli ground troops remain active.
Pakistan has invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on Friday for further negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding in-person talks but emphasized that no final decisions would be made until officially announced by the President or the White House.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports indicate that strikes continued, with Kuwait reporting Iranian attacks damaging power plants and oil facilities. The Kuwaiti military confirmed engagement with multiple drones targeting its territory.
As tensions persist, both nations appear to have conflicting interpretations of what this ceasefire entails. The US and Iran have previously engaged in two rounds of talks over the past year, both of which saw military tensions escalate amid ongoing negotiations.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong