What We Know About the Two-Week Ceasefire Between the US and Iran

A Temporary Ceasefire Agreed

Iran and the United States have reached a conditional agreement for a two-week pause in hostilities, with the key condition being the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for maritime traffic. This agreement was announced hours after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning about potential military action if Iran did not comply. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, stated that the ceasefire took effect immediately on Wednesday.

Trump’s Conditional Offer

According to Trump’s post on Truth Social, he committed to suspending strikes on Iran for two weeks in exchange for Tehran ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open. The US leader claimed the decision followed achieving “military objectives” that were “already met and exceeded.” His earlier threats, such as declaring “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” drew criticism from global leaders including the UN chief and the Pope.

“A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again.”

Iran’s Commitments and Plan

Iran has agreed to permit vessel passage through the Hormuz Strait for two weeks, with military coordination. In addition, the country has outlined a 10-point plan. This includes halting military operations in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen; lifting sanctions; releasing frozen assets; and compensating for reconstruction costs. Iran also pledged to “not seek possession of any nuclear weapons.”

“Iran’s victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations.”

Lebanon and Israel’s Stance

The ceasefire’s scope extends to Lebanon, where Israel has been targeting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. However, Israel’s leadership has emphasized they will not withdraw from the region until Hezbollah’s threat is neutralized. There is no confirmation that Israel has agreed to pause its operations in Lebanon or elsewhere.

Israeli Response and Uncertainty

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Israeli forces intercepted missiles from Iran. Loud explosions were reported in Jerusalem late Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later endorsed the ceasefire, but clarified it does not cover Lebanon, where Israeli troops are stationed. The extent of his involvement in the deal remains unclear.

“Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region.”

Challenges in Negotiations

Despite the agreement, tensions persist as the US and Iran hold differing views on the ceasefire’s implications. The two nations have already engaged in two rounds of talks this year, both ending with increased military activity during discussions. Pakistan has invited the parties to meet in Islamabad on Friday to aim for a definitive resolution.