A fragile two-week ceasefire has been agreed between the United States and Iran in a last-minute effort to prevent a wider escalation that had threatened to spiral into full-scale destruction, according to statements from officials on both sides.
US President Donald Trump described the agreement as “a total and complete victory” for Washington, following intense diplomatic efforts that reportedly involved mediation by Pakistan.
Under the terms outlined by Washington, the United States will suspend its military operations against Iran for two weeks. In return, Tehran has agreed to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a passage through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump stated that Iran had committed to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.” He also claimed that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would be “perfectly taken care of” during the temporary truce.
The US president reiterated longstanding accusations that Iran has been enriching uranium with the aim of developing nuclear weapons—claims that have been denied by Tehran and not substantiated by the UN’s nuclear watchdog. Previous US proposals to end the conflict had included demands that Iran halt uranium enrichment, limit its missile programme, and cease support for regional militant groups, though those conditions were not clearly included in the current agreement.
Mr Trump’s stance has shifted in recent weeks. As recently as last month, he had insisted that Iran’s “unconditional surrender” would be the only acceptable resolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran would allow safe maritime passage through the Strait for the duration of the ceasefire. He also outlined a broader 10-point proposal that Iran hopes will serve as a foundation for upcoming negotiations.
According to Iranian officials, the plan calls for continued Iranian control over the Strait, international acceptance of its uranium enrichment activities, and the lifting of all US sanctions. Additional provisions include a withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East, an end to attacks on Iran and its regional allies, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a binding resolution from the UN Security Council.
Despite some indications from Mr Trump that the proposal could be “workable,” several of these demands have previously been rejected by Washington.
Meanwhile, Israel has expressed conditional support for the ceasefire, backing the US decision to pause strikes on Iran while making clear that the agreement does not extend to Lebanon. Israeli forces reportedly carried out renewed strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, underscoring the limited scope of the truce.
This position contradicts earlier remarks by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had suggested the ceasefire would apply “everywhere including Lebanon.” Mr Sharif also announced that Islamabad would host upcoming negotiations between US and Iranian representatives, expected to begin Friday and aimed at reaching a “conclusive agreement.”
Iran has indicated it is willing to use the two-week pause as a window for diplomacy, though significant divisions remain between the two sides.
Global markets reacted swiftly to news of the agreement. Oil and gas prices fell sharply following confirmation that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen, easing concerns over supply disruptions that had intensified after Iran effectively shut the route.
The reopening is expected to provide short-term relief for countries heavily dependent on imported energy, even as uncertainty persists over whether the ceasefire can lead to a lasting resolution.
