The United States and Iran have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire that will allow shipping traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global route for oil exports.
The development follows more than a month of coordinated military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, and comes just hours after US President Donald Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran failed to reopen the waterway.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating the negotiations, confirmed early Wednesday that the ceasefire took immediate effect.
President Trump said Washington agreed to suspend its attacks on Iran for two weeks on the condition that Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the decision was taken after the US had achieved its major military objectives.
Iran, in turn, agreed to allow vessels to pass through the strait within the same period, with movements to be coordinated by its military. Tehran also presented a broader proposal that includes ending hostilities across Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets held by the US, and providing compensation for reconstruction. The proposal further states that Iran is fully committed to not pursuing nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the country’s military gains would be reinforced through political negotiations.
Shortly after the ceasefire announcement, sirens were heard across Israel, with the military confirming it intercepted missiles launched from Iran. Explosions were also reported in Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports the temporary suspension of US strikes, provided Iran immediately reopens the strait and halts attacks on the US, Israel and other countries in the region. However, he clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue operations against Hezbollah, and there is no indication Israel plans to halt its broader military campaign.
Looking ahead, Pakistan has invited both sides to Islamabad on Friday for further talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement. While discussions continue, US officials have cautioned that no deal is final until formally announced.
Despite the breakthrough, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, with both sides appearing to differ on the scope of the ceasefire and past negotiations having collapsed amid renewed tensions.
BBC NEWS