U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, a notable retreat from his earlier threats to ‘destroy an entire civilization.’
The truce, which was mediated by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is contingent upon Iran fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil shipments. Both Washington and Tehran have indicated their willingness to suspend hostilities and engage in negotiations.
Trump characterized the agreement as a ‘two-sided ceasefire,’ asserting that American military objectives had already been achieved and that a broader peace deal was within reach. Iranian officials, conversely, have presented this development as a strategic victory, claiming their terms were instrumental in compelling the pause.
Despite the announced agreement, hostilities have not entirely ceased, with reports of missile fire occurring shortly after the deal. Regional tensions remain elevated, although financial markets have reacted positively, evidenced by a drop in oil prices and an improvement in investor sentiment.
Trump stated:
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, in which they asked me to suspend the destructive force sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack on Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a two-sided CEASEFIRE!”
