What We Know About the Two-Week Ceasefire Between the US and Iran
A conditional two-week truce has been reached between Iran and the United States, allowing commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement follows a month of coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets, with tensions peaking as President Donald Trump issued a dire warning about potential escalation. Hours before the ceasefire was announced, Trump had threatened to “destroy a whole civilization” if Iran did not reopen the strategic waterway, which is critical for Gulf oil exports.
The Ceasefire Agreement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, acting as a mediator, confirmed the truce took effect immediately on Wednesday. Trump stated that the US would “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran” for two weeks in exchange for Iran’s agreement to allow unrestricted shipping through the Hormuz Strait. The deal hinges on Iran’s commitment to open the passage, which is essential for global energy markets.
Trump said he agreed to the provisional ceasefire because “we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council emphasized that the ceasefire would “consolidate Iran’s victory in the field” through political negotiations. However, the agreement remains conditional, with Iran also pledging to halt attacks on the US, Israel, and regional allies, and to release frozen assets held abroad.
Iran’s 10-Point Plan
The Iranian government outlined a 10-point framework, including the cessation of hostilities in four key regions: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. It also calls for the full lifting of sanctions, the return of Iranian funds, and compensation for damages. Notably, Iran reaffirmed its commitment to “not seeking possession of any nuclear weapons” in the statement.
Regional Implications
While the ceasefire focuses on the Hormuz Strait, Pakistan’s Sharif noted it would also apply to Lebanon, where Israeli forces are engaged with Hezbollah. Israel’s leadership has insisted it will not withdraw until the threat from the Iran-backed group is neutralized. Despite this, there is no confirmation that Israel has agreed to pause operations elsewhere.
“Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region.”
Hours after the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the truce does not cover Lebanon, where Israeli troops remain deployed. The exact extent of Netanyahu’s involvement in the decision remains unclear, adding to the complexity of the agreement.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged discussions about in-person talks but stressed that no details are set in stone until the President or the administration formally announces them. The negotiations face significant hurdles, with conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire’s scope already emerging. The US and Iran have previously held two rounds of talks this year, both interrupted by rising military tensions.
