What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran
Conditional Ceasefire Between the US and Iran
A two-week ceasefire has been reached between Iran and the United States, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement follows a coordinated assault by the US and Israel on Iranian targets, and comes just hours after President Donald Trump issued a stark warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran did not allow ships to pass through the critical waterway.
Immediate Effectiveness and Terms
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, announced the ceasefire took effect immediately on Wednesday. According to the deal, Iran will permit unimpeded shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, with the Iranian military overseeing the coordination of vessel passage.
“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives,” Trump stated on Truth Social, justifying his decision to suspend bombing and attacks on Iran for the period.
Iran’s 10-Point Plan
Iran has presented a 10-point proposal outlining its commitments, including halting hostilities in the Gulf region, lifting economic sanctions, returning frozen assets to the US, and compensating for reconstruction costs. It also pledges to refrain from seeking nuclear weapon possession, as per statements from Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Israel’s Stance and Regional Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain engaged with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Despite the agreement, Israel has not indicated it will pause operations there, maintaining its focus on eliminating the threat from Hezbollah.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Israeli military sirens sounded, and the Defense Forces confirmed they were intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Loud explosions were reported in Jerusalem late Tuesday night, highlighting the ongoing hostilities.
Ongoing Negotiations and Challenges
While Pakistan has invited delegations to Islamabad for further talks on Friday, the White House emphasized that no final decisions have been made. Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary, noted that discussions about in-person meetings are ongoing but not yet conclusive.
Previous rounds of talks between the US and Iran have seen military tensions rise mid-negotiation. The current agreement remains fragile, as both sides appear to hold divergent views on its scope and implications. The path to a lasting resolution remains uncertain, with negotiations expected to be complex and contentious.