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
A two-week ceasefire has been proposed between Iran and the United States, contingent on specific conditions. This agreement allows for the uninterrupted passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for Gulf oil exports. The deal follows a coordinated series of attacks by the US and Israel on Iranian targets, with tensions peaking as President Donald Trump issued a stark warning about potential military action.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, announced the ceasefire’s immediate effect. The terms include Iran’s commitment to open the strait and coordinate its operations, while the US pledges to halt attacks for two weeks. Trump’s decision, shared on Truth Social, was framed as a response to achieving “military objectives” beyond initial expectations.
The Ceasefire Conditions
Iran’s agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is central to the deal. In return, the US will suspend strikes for two weeks. The Iranian government also outlined a 10-point plan, emphasizing the cessation of hostilities in multiple regions and the removal of sanctions. This plan includes releasing frozen assets and compensating for reconstruction costs, with Iran vowing not to pursue nuclear weapons.
“Iran fully commits to not seeking possession of any nuclear weapons,” stated the Supreme National Security Council of Tehran.
However, the agreement does not address ongoing operations in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire excludes this region, where Israel maintains ground forces. Despite the agreement, Israel’s leadership remains determined to eliminate the Iran-backed group Hezbollah before withdrawing.
International Reactions
Trump’s earlier threats, such as “a whole civilisation will die tonight,” drew criticism from global leaders. The United Nations chief and the Pope condemned these remarks, highlighting their severity. Meanwhile, sirens were heard in Israel shortly after the ceasefire announcement, with the IDF reporting missile interceptions. Loud booms in Jerusalem late Tuesday night underscored the immediate military activity.
Netanyahu’s statement emphasized support for the US’s decision, contingent on Iran’s compliance. He noted that the agreement does not extend to Lebanon, where Israel’s military presence persists. The extent of his involvement in the negotiations remains unclear, though Pakistan invited both sides to continue discussions in Islamabad.
Challenges Ahead
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed ongoing talks about in-person meetings but stressed that final decisions depend on the President or White House. The ceasefire’s scope has already sparked disagreement, with conflicting interpretations of its terms. Both nations have clashed before, with military tensions rising during previous rounds of negotiations over the past year.
