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
A conditional two-week ceasefire has been reached between Iran and the United States, with the agreement allowing for uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows a month of U.S.-led strikes on Iran and occurs just hours after President Donald Trump warned of a potential “civilisation-ending” attack if Iran did not agree to reopen the critical waterway. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a key intermediary, confirmed the ceasefire would take effect immediately, according to statements released early Wednesday.
Terms of the Ceasefire
Trump announced the deal via his social media platform, stating that the U.S. would “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, essential for Gulf oil exports, was a central point of contention. The president cited “military objectives already met and surpassed” as the rationale for the pause. However, Iran’s commitments extend beyond the Strait, including a 10-point plan outlining broader conditions.
“The complete cessation of war in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen; full commitment to lifting sanctions; the release of Iranian funds and frozen assets held by the U.S.; and full payment of compensation for reconstruction costs” are among the terms Iran has pledged.
Additionally, Iran has vowed not to pursue nuclear weapon possession. The Supreme National Security Council emphasized that “Iran’s victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations,” underscoring the strategic importance of the agreement.
Israel’s Stance and Regional Tensions
While the ceasefire applies to the U.S. and Iran, Israel has not fully endorsed it. The country’s leadership insists it will continue operations in Lebanon until the Iran-backed Hezbollah threat is neutralized. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated support for Trump’s decision but clarified that the “ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” where Israeli ground troops remain.
“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 U.S., Israel, and countries in the region.”
Despite the agreement, tensions persist. Sirens in Israel echoed shortly after the ceasefire was announced, as the military intercepted missiles from Iran. Late Tuesday night, loud booms were reported in Jerusalem, hinting at ongoing hostilities. The exact role of Netanyahu in shaping the deal remains unclear.
Path Forward
Pakistan has invited the negotiating teams to Islamabad on Friday for further talks aimed at finalizing the agreement. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted discussions about in-person meetings, though she stressed “nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House.” The process faces challenges, as conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire’s scope have already emerged. Earlier this year, the U.S. and Iran engaged in two rounds of talks, both of which saw military escalation during negotiations.
