In a sudden development, US President Donald Trump announced a two week ceasefire with Iran, conditional on the reopening of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The move signals the potential for a final agreement to end a war that has continued for six weeks, particularly as the arrangement was reached without prior coordination with Israel.
Trump’s announcement, published on Truth Social, came shortly before the expiry of a deadline in which he had warned of severe escalation if Iran did not agree to terms, including reopening the strait. The timing and unilateral nature of the decision triggered immediate reactions across the region.
Iran Frames Outcome as Strategic Victory
Tehran described the development as a historic victory, stating that it accepted the temporary ceasefire based on guidance from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and what it characterised as its military superiority on the ground.
In an official statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council outlined key conditions proposed by Tehran. These include a complete end to the war against all components of the resistance axis, the establishment of a maritime protocol in the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian coordination, the lifting of sanctions, and the withdrawal of US forces from all positions across the region.
The statement confirmed that negotiations are scheduled to begin on Friday in Pakistan. It also noted that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had requested an extension to the original deadline, which was granted.
While Washington has not formally accepted these conditions, it has agreed to treat them as a basis for negotiations. According to reports from Tehran, this effectively signals endorsement of the ceasefire framework.
Ceasefire Linked to Hormuz Reopening
US officials indicated that the ceasefire will take effect immediately upon the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The upcoming talks are expected to mark the first direct negotiations between the United States and Iran since the outbreak of war in late February.
Trump clarified that the war itself has not been formally ended, but rather that large scale offensive operations have been suspended. This suspension remains contingent on Iran reopening the strait.
US Central Command has reportedly received orders to halt all military operations against Iran immediately, suggesting that Tehran has agreed in principle to the navigation terms.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be permitted for two weeks under coordination with Iranian armed forces, subject to technical conditions. He added that Iran will halt all defensive operations if attacks against it cease.
Araghchi also stated that the United States has accepted Iran’s proposed conditions as a framework for ending the war, with direct negotiations set to take place in Pakistan over a two week period, extendable by mutual agreement.
Shock and Uncertainty in Israel
In Israel, the announcement triggered widespread shock. A senior political official stated that Tel Aviv had been informed of the agreement only after it had been reached, despite being expected to comply with its terms.
According to Israeli sources, the political leadership has not yet issued directives to the military regarding the suspension of operations against Iran. However, local media reports indicate that any halt in Israeli military activity is being tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court, is scheduled to convene a government meeting to assess the implications of the agreement.
Toward a Potential Final Settlement
Trump stated that substantial progress has been made towards a final agreement aimed at establishing long term peace with Iran. He confirmed that the United States has received a 10 point proposal from Tehran, which it considers a viable basis for negotiations.
He reiterated that the two week ceasefire is intended to allow both sides to finalise the agreement, adding that most previous points of dispute between Washington and Tehran have already been resolved.
Trump concluded by asserting that the United States has achieved and surpassed its military objectives during the conflict, framing the ceasefire as a transition point towards a broader political resolution.
