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Iran reverses stance on Strait of Hormuz closure
Tehran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks following a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, despite earlier defiant declarations by hardliners. The decision marks a sudden shift in Iran's position after weeks of conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
Hardliners protest ceasefire decision
Just days before the agreement, a massive banner in Tehran proclaimed the Strait would remain closed-a message attributed to Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. However, the banner's removal now appears imminent after the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) approved the ceasefire.
Hardline factions, including the Basij militia, staged protests outside the foreign ministry, burning U.S. and Israeli flags. Kayhan, a hardline newspaper, condemned the ceasefire as a concession to Iran's enemies, arguing it would allow them to regroup.
Ceasefire terms and diplomatic breakthrough
The SNSC, led by moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian, framed the agreement as a strategic victory. Under the deal, Iran will reopen the Strait for two weeks in exchange for a ceasefire from the U.S. and Israel, with talks to follow in Islamabad.
China reportedly played a key role in persuading Iran to accept Pakistan's mediation. The ceasefire comes after 40 days of war, which left over 3,000 dead and critical infrastructure damaged, according to human rights activists.
Direct U.S.-Iran talks signal policy shift
In a departure from past policy, Iran will engage in direct negotiations with the U.S., led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The move contrasts with the stance of the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had banned such talks.
"Iran sought an end to the war while maintaining the upper hand," Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei told state TV hours before the ceasefire announcement.
Uncertainty lingers amid fragile truce
The ceasefire offers temporary relief, but tensions persist. Hardliners may push for a return to conflict if talks fail, while moderates hope for a lasting resolution. For now, the agreement provides a brief respite from the destruction that has ravaged Iran.
