Tehran/Washington: In a significant shift amid escalating hostilities, the United States and Iran have agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire, easing tensions in the region and paving the way for the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump stepped back from earlier threats of large-scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, just hours before a self-imposed deadline. The move signals a potential pause in a conflict that had rapidly intensified across West Asia.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed its acceptance of the ceasefire, stating that talks with Washington are set to begin in Islamabad later this week. The discussions are expected to focus on broader de-escalation measures and possible long-term arrangements.
While both sides have endorsed the truce, neither has clarified the exact timeline for its implementation. Reports indicate that hostilities continued in parts of Iran, Israel, and the Gulf region even as the agreement was being finalised.
According to officials in Washington, Israel has also agreed to adhere to the ceasefire terms, raising hopes of a broader pause in the multi-front conflict.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route, is expected to stabilise energy markets that have been rattled by the ongoing conflict.
Diplomatic efforts are now set to intensify, with mediators working to convert the temporary halt in fighting into a more durable peace framework.
