US, Iran Agree to 2-Week Ceasefire, Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire, easing immediate fears of a major escalation in the Middle East and paving the way for renewed diplomatic engagement.
The breakthrough, announced late Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, came just hours before a self-imposed deadline for potential US military strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The agreement includes a temporary reopening of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
The ceasefire followed last-minute mediation led by Shehbaz Sharif, who urged both sides to allow diplomacy to proceed. According to Washington, the suspension of hostilities is contingent upon Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate and safe” reopening of the strait.
In a statement, Trump described the development as “a big day for world peace,” adding that the pause in fighting could create an opportunity to negotiate a broader and more durable settlement.
Iran confirmed its participation in the truce shortly after the announcement. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be coordinated with Iranian armed forces during the two-week period.
Israel, a key US ally in the conflict, later endorsed the ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement had Israeli backing, although he clarified that it did not extend to ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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Despite the diplomatic progress, uncertainty persists. Iran has circulated differing versions of a proposed 10-point framework intended to guide negotiations, with discrepancies—particularly regarding uranium enrichment—raising questions about the scope of any final agreement.
Pakistan has invited both Washington and Tehran to follow-up talks in Islamabad, expected later this week. While Iran has confirmed attendance, the United States has yet to formally commit.
The announcement triggered immediate reactions in global markets. Oil prices fell sharply, while equities rose on expectations that energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz could resume. The development offered temporary relief to energy-importing nations heavily dependent on Middle Eastern النفط supplies.
However, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Reports indicated that military strikes continued in parts of Iran in the hours leading up to the ceasefire deadline, underscoring the fragility of the agreement.
International responses have been cautiously optimistic. Several governments welcomed the de-escalation but stressed the need for sustained dialogue to address underlying tensions. Concerns also remain about the stability of global energy markets, with officials warning against assuming a rapid return to normal supply conditions.
The ceasefire marks a significant pause in a five-week conflict that had raised fears of wider regional war. Whether it evolves into a lasting settlement will depend on the success of imminent negotiations and the willingness of both sides to compromise on core security and nuclear issues.
By PRNigeria
