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 Conditions
A conditional two-week pause in hostilities has been brokered between Iran and the United States, with the focus on ensuring unimpeded maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a coordinated military campaign by the US and Israel against Iranian targets, which began over a month prior. The agreement was announced hours after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, stating that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran did not reopen the vital waterway.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, who has facilitated the diplomatic talks, confirmed the ceasefire would take effect immediately. According to his statement, the deal hinges on Iran’s commitment to allow vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without interference. In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined the terms, stating the US would “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran” for two weeks in exchange for Tehran’s agreement to reopen the passage.
“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives,” Trump claimed, framing the deal as a strategic concession.
Iran’s Commitments
Iran has pledged to coordinate the movement of ships through the Hormuz Strait for two weeks, a move intended to ease concerns over oil exports. The country also presented a 10-point framework, which includes halting hostilities in multiple regions, lifting economic sanctions, and releasing frozen assets held by the US. Additionally, Iran promised to “fully commit to not seeking possession of any nuclear weapons,” as highlighted in a statement from the Supreme National Security Council.
The plan further stipulates the cessation of conflict in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, alongside a commitment to “full payment of compensation for reconstruction costs.” These conditions aim to address both military and economic grievances, though their implementation remains to be seen.
Lebanon and Regional Dynamics
While the ceasefire applies to the Strait of Hormuz, it does not extend to Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue their operations against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated support for the deal but clarified that the agreement does not cover Lebanon, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hezbollah’s threat before withdrawing troops. Sirens in Israel signaled ongoing missile activity shortly after the announcement, with the Defense Forces reporting intercepts launched from Iranian territory.
Despite the agreement, tensions persist. The US and Iran have already clashed twice this year, with military confrontations escalating during previous negotiations. As Pakistan invites delegations to meet in Islamabad for further talks, the path to a lasting resolution remains uncertain.
