The United States has paused military strikes on Iran after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Tehran, offering a last-minute diplomatic offramp amid escalating tensions.
In a statement, Trump said the temporary truce would halt planned US attacks on Iran’s power infrastructure and transport networks, including bridges, while both sides work toward a broader peace agreement.
The proposal, facilitated through Pakistan, includes reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a key global energy corridor that typically handles about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Iran Signals Conditional Acceptance
Iran confirmed it has agreed to the framework, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Tehran would suspend its “defensive operations” for two weeks if US and Israeli attacks cease.
Araghchi said Iranian forces would oversee safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period, while maintaining operational control over the waterway.
Key Elements of Iran’s Proposal
The 10-point framework presented by Iran and described by Trump as a basis for negotiations includes:
- Mutual non-aggression commitments
- Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz
- Recognition of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme
- Lifting of all US primary and secondary sanctions
- Termination of UN Security Council and IAEA-related resolutions
- Compensation payments to Iran
- Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region
- A broader cessation of hostilities, including involving Iran-backed groups
Tehran Declares Strategic Win
Iranian authorities framed the ceasefire as a diplomatic victory following weeks of conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
In a statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the proposed deal reflects Tehran’s core demands, including continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of its nuclear enrichment programme, and the lifting of both primary and secondary US sanctions.
The council also called for the release of frozen Iranian assets, withdrawal of US forces from the region, and a binding UN Security Council resolution to formalise any agreement under international law.
Trump Calls Proposal ‘Workable’
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the US had received a “workable” 10-point proposal from Iran and agreed to pause military action following consultations with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.
He said the pause was conditional on Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump added that US military objectives had already been achieved and that negotiations were “very far along” toward a long-term peace deal.
“Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to,” Trump said, adding that the two-week window would allow both sides to finalise a comprehensive agreement.
The temporary ceasefire marks the first significant pause in hostilities since the conflict escalated, raising cautious hopes for a negotiated settlement in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
