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
Following a month of escalating conflict, the United States and Iran have tentatively agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities, with the condition that Iranian forces allow oil and cargo vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz unimpeded. This decision came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a dire warning, vowing to “eradicate a whole civilization” if Iran did not reopen the critical waterway. The agreement was announced by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been facilitating discussions, stating it would take effect immediately.
Terms of the Ceasefire
President Trump outlined the deal as a “two-week suspension of bombing and attacks on Iran,” provided Tehran complies with opening the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, he cited that “all military objectives have been met and surpassed” as the rationale for the temporary halt. The agreement also includes a 10-point Iranian proposal, which seeks to end hostilities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen; lift economic sanctions; return frozen U.S. assets; and secure compensation for damages. Additionally, Iran pledged to “not pursue nuclear weapons” in the future.
“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives,”
Trump emphasized, signaling a strategic shift in the conflict. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council noted that the ceasefire would “consolidate Iran’s victories on the battlefield” through political dialogue. However, the terms remain conditional, with the U.S. reserving the right to resume attacks if Iran fails to meet its obligations.
Tensions in Lebanon
While the ceasefire applies to the Gulf region, Israel has not agreed to halt operations in Lebanon, where it maintains ground troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the agreement does not extend to the country, stating: “The ceasefire does not include Lebanon, where Israel has forces.” Sirens in Israel sounded after Trump’s announcement, as the military intercepted missiles launched from Iranian territory, underscoring lingering hostilities.
“Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Tehran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region,”
Netanyahu added, highlighting the fragile nature of the arrangement. The U.S. and Iran have clashed over the scope of the ceasefire, with differing interpretations of its implications. Despite the agreement, military tensions rose during previous negotiations, raising doubts about the stability of the current truce.
Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has scheduled meetings in Islamabad on Friday to discuss a final resolution. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed ongoing talks about in-person discussions but noted that “nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House.” The path to a lasting peace remains uncertain, with both nations holding divergent views on the agreement’s terms and future steps.
