In a significant de-escalation of tensions, the United States military has paused its strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Tehran, offering a last-minute diplomatic offramp to avoid further escalation.
The temporary truce, reportedly facilitated through Pakistan, includes provisions to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a passage that handles nearly a fifth of global energy supplies during peacetime. The move is expected to stabilise global oil flows amid weeks of disruption caused by the conflict.
Iran confirmed its acceptance of the proposal, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Tehran would suspend its “defensive operations” provided the US and Israel halt their attacks. He added that while Iran would coordinate safe maritime passage through the Strait during the ceasefire, control of the route would remain with Iranian armed forces.
The conflict, which began following joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has led to heightened instability in the region. Tehran, however, claimed a strategic victory, asserting that it compelled Washington to consider a 10-point framework that includes lifting sanctions and recognising Iran’s nuclear enrichment rights.
According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the proposed framework calls for key concessions such as the removal of primary and secondary US sanctions, withdrawal of American forces from the Middle East, release of frozen Iranian assets, and a binding resolution by the United Nations Security Council to formalise any agreement under international law.
The plan also seeks expanded Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely blocked to maritime traffic during the five-week conflict, severely impacting global energy markets.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump described the Iranian proposal as “workable,” noting that the US had already achieved its primary military objectives. He said the ceasefire would provide critical time to finalise a long-term peace agreement.
Trump also referenced discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, who urged restraint and supported diplomatic engagement. He emphasised that the ceasefire would only proceed if Iran ensured the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the Strait.
Iran’s 10-point proposal includes commitments to non-aggression, continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of its nuclear program, lifting of all sanctions, termination of UN and IAEA resolutions, compensation payments, and cessation of hostilities across multiple fronts, including in Lebanon.
While both sides appear cautiously optimistic, the two-week window is now seen as a critical period to transform the temporary ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement in the Middle East.
