What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran
US-Iran Ceasefire Terms and Conditions
The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement for a two-week pause in hostilities, with the condition that Iran will permit unimpeded passage of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This arrangement follows a month of coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets, and occurs shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning about potential conflict escalation.
Mediation and Immediate Effect
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a key mediator, confirmed that the ceasefire is in effect immediately. The agreement hinges on Iran reopening the strategic waterway, which is critical for Gulf oil exports. Trump stated he would suspend attacks on Iran if Tehran meets this requirement, emphasizing that military objectives had been achieved.
“We have already met and exceeded all military objectives,”
Trump noted in a post on Truth Social, framing the pause as a conditional step. His earlier threats, such as claiming “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” had drawn international criticism, including from the UN and the Pope.
Iran’s Commitments and Plan
Iran has pledged to allow vessels through the Hormuz Strait for two weeks, with military coordination to ensure safe passage. The country also outlined a 10-point plan, which includes ending hostilities in several regions and lifting sanctions. Additionally, Iran committed to releasing frozen assets and compensating for reconstruction costs, as well as not pursuing nuclear weapons.
“Iran’s victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations,”
the Supreme National Security Council of Tehran stated, underscoring the strategic importance of the agreement.
Israel’s Stance and Regional Tensions
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has not agreed to halt operations in Lebanon, where its forces are stationed. Sirens were heard in Israel after Trump’s announcement, as the IDF intercepted missiles launched from Iranian territory. In Jerusalem, several explosions occurred late Tuesday night, signaling ongoing military activity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported Trump’s decision but clarified that the ceasefire does not cover Lebanon. “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region,”
“Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region,”
Netanyahu added, though his involvement in the decision-making process remains unclear.
Next Steps and Negotiation Challenges
Pakistan has invited the parties to meet in Islamabad on Friday to discuss a definitive resolution. The White House confirmed ongoing talks for in-person discussions, but stressed that no terms are finalized until the President or White House declares them. The negotiations face significant hurdles, as the US and Iran have diverging interpretations of the ceasefire’s scope. This comes amid prior rounds of talks that ended in heightened military tensions.
