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

Iran and the United States have reached a tentative agreement for a two-week pause in hostilities, with the condition that Iran will permit unimpeded maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows a coordinated assault by the US and Israel on Iranian targets more than a month prior. Hours before the ceasefire was announced, US President Donald Trump had issued a stark warning, stating that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran did not reopen the vital oil shipping channel.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, declared the ceasefire in effect immediately on Wednesday. The agreement hinges on Iran’s commitment to open the strait, a critical artery for Gulf exports. Trump outlined the terms in a post on Truth Social, stating he would “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” in exchange for Tehran’s agreement to clear the Hormuz Strait. He claimed the deal aligns with “military objectives already met and surpassed.”

Iran’s terms and broader commitments

The Iranian side has proposed a 10-point plan, which includes halting hostilities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. It also demands the full removal of sanctions, the return of frozen assets held by the US, and compensation for reconstruction costs. Additionally, Iran pledged to “not seek possession of any nuclear weapons” during this period. The Supreme National Security Council emphasized that “Iran’s victory in the field would be consolidated through political negotiations.”

However, the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where Israel has maintained ground troops. Israeli leaders have reiterated their stance that they will not withdraw until Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, is neutralized. There is no confirmation that Israel has agreed to pause operations in the region, despite the new arrangement. Shortly after Trump’s announcement, sirens were heard in Israel, and the Defense Forces reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Loud explosions were also reported in Jerusalem late Tuesday.

Stipulations and unresolved tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the ceasefire, but clarified that it “does not cover Lebanon,” where ongoing military activity persists. He stated that the agreement is conditional on Iran immediately opening the straits and ceasing all attacks on the US, Israel, and regional nations. The extent of Netanyahu’s involvement in the decision remains unclear. Meanwhile, Pakistan has invited the parties to meet in Islamabad on Friday to push toward a final resolution of all disputes.

Despite the initial accord, differences between the US and Iran persist. The two nations have engaged in two rounds of talks this year, both of which saw rising military tensions interrupt progress. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that in-person negotiations are still being discussed, but emphasized that “nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House.” The path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain, with conflicting priorities complicating the process.