US President Donald Trump stepped back late Tuesday from his threats of devastating strikes on Iran, announcing a two-week ceasefire just hours before the deadline he had set for Tehran. The agreement includes the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and sets the stage for talks between the two countries in Pakistan starting Friday.Also read: What’s in Tehran’s 10-point proposal to end the warThe announcement came after more than a month of intense military action by the United States and Israel, with Iran responding with missile strikes across the region. Trump said he had consulted with Pakistan’s leadership, who requested that he delay the planned attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that safe passage for ships through the strait would be allowed for two weeks under Iranian military management.Trump described Iran’s 10-point proposal for a conditional ceasefire as “workable” and said the United States had already achieved and exceeded its military objectives. While the ceasefire was welcomed by Tehran as a victory, Iran also outlined demands including lifting sanctions, ensuring control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.
Trump’s full statement:
Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMPPakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the ceasefire would take immediate effect and indicated it extended to U.S. allies, including Israel, halting hostilities in Lebanon. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the ceasefire and said negotiations with the United States would begin in Islamabad.While Trump signalled progress toward a longer-term agreement, Iran’s release of its 10-point plan shows it is seeking broad concessions. The strait will remain under Iranian and Omani oversight, with transit fees intended for reconstruction. Analysts note that while the ceasefire halts immediate hostilities, lingering distrust and regional tensions mean diplomacy will be closely watched in the coming days.
