Iran and the US have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, permitting shipping traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz. This provisional truce follows coordinated attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and comes after US President Donald Trump threatened severe retaliation if the Strait was not reopened.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the ceasefire was effective immediately, stating that Trump agreed to suspend bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks, contingent on Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump cited "met and exceeded all Military objectives" as a reason for the suspension. Iran has agreed to allow vessels through the Strait, with passage coordinated by the Iranian military. Tehran presented a 10-point statement of demands to the US, including a complete cessation of war in several regions, full commitment to lifting sanctions, release of frozen assets, and compensation for reconstruction costs. Iran also reaffirmed its commitment not to seek nuclear weapons.
The ceasefire is also expected to take effect in Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in operations against Hezbollah. However, Israel has not indicated agreement to halt its operations in Lebanon or elsewhere. Sirens were heard in Israel shortly after Trump's announcement, with the Israel Defense Forces reporting interception of missiles from Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel supports Trump's decision, subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and ceasing all attacks on the US, Israel, and regional countries. Netanyahu clarified the ceasefire does not include Lebanon.
Pakistan has invited delegations to meet in Islamabad for further negotiations toward a conclusive agreement. While White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged discussions about in-person talks, she emphasized that "nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House." Contradicting positions on the ceasefire's scope and prior escalations during past negotiations highlight ongoing uncertainties.