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
Agreement and Immediate Implementation
Iran and the United States have reached a conditional two-week ceasefire agreement, permitting commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows a month of coordinated strikes by the US and Israel against Iranian targets, and occurs just hours after US President Donald Trump issued a dire warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran did not reopen the critical waterway. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, announced the ceasefire would take effect immediately on Wednesday.
Terms of the Ceasefire
The agreement hinges on Iran’s commitment to clear the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, with military coordination to ensure safe passage. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he had agreed to “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” in exchange for Tehran’s action. The president emphasized that the deal was reached after meeting and surpassing all military goals.
“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives,” Trump said.
In return, Iran outlined a 10-point plan. Among its proposals are the cessation of hostilities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen; a pledge to lift sanctions; the return of frozen Iranian assets held by the US; and full compensation for reconstruction costs. The plan also includes a commitment from Iran to “not seek possession of any nuclear weapons.” The Supreme National Security Council of Tehran stated that “Iran’s victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations.”
Israel’s Position and Regional Impact
Israel’s leadership has not formally endorsed the ceasefire in Lebanon, where its forces remain engaged against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the temporary halt in US strikes, but clarified that the agreement does not extend to operations in Lebanon. Sirens were heard in Israel shortly after Trump’s announcement, as the IDF reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Loud booms were also reported in Jerusalem late Tuesday night.
Ongoing Negotiations and Uncertainties
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that in-person talks are being considered but stressed that no terms are binding until the President or the White House announces them. Pakistan has invited representatives to meet in Islamabad on Friday to aim for a comprehensive resolution. However, the two nations appear to hold differing views on the ceasefire’s scope, with tensions flaring during two prior rounds of discussions in the past year.
