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Ceasefire announced amid escalating tensions
Iran and the United States have agreed to a provisional two-week ceasefire, allowing shipping traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The deal, brokered with Pakistan's mediation, took effect early Wednesday, following weeks of heightened military confrontation.
Terms of the agreement
Under the agreement, the U.S. will suspend military strikes against Iran for 14 days, provided Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. Iranian forces will coordinate vessel passage during this period. In a statement on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. had "already met and exceeded all military objectives" and framed the pause as a diplomatic opening.
Iran, in turn, has outlined a 10-point plan demanding a complete end to hostilities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and financial compensation for reconstruction. Tehran also reaffirmed its commitment to non-proliferation, stating it "fully commits to not seeking possession of any nuclear weapons."
"Iran's victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations."
Iran's Supreme National Security Council
Regional reactions and ongoing strikes
Israel endorsed the ceasefire but clarified it does not extend to Lebanon, where it continues to target Hezbollah positions. Sirens sounded in Israel shortly after the announcement, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel supports the pause "subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the U.S., Israel, and regional allies."
Despite the truce, strikes persisted. Kuwait reported Iranian drone attacks on Wednesday, damaging power plants, desalination facilities, and oil infrastructure. The Kuwaiti military claimed to have intercepted 28 drones. Meanwhile, Israel renewed airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting areas near Tyre and Nabatieh.
Diplomatic next steps
Pakistan, which mediated the negotiations, has invited delegations to Islamabad on Friday for further talks aimed at a "conclusive agreement to settle all disputes." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed discussions about in-person negotiations but emphasized that "nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House."
Trump hinted at broader economic discussions, stating the U.S. would explore "tariff and sanctions relief" with Iran. In a separate post, he warned that any country supplying military weapons to Iran would face a 50% tariff on all U.S. exports, effective immediately.
International response
Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, and the European Union welcomed the ceasefire in a joint statement, urging a "swift and lasting end" to the conflict. They called on all parties to implement the truce, including in Lebanon, where fighting has intensified.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Pope Leo XIV previously condemned Trump's threats of annihilation, which included a warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that American forces remain "ready to restart [operations] at a moment's notice," emphasizing vigilance during the ceasefire.
Uncertainty ahead
The ceasefire's fragility reflects deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran. Both sides have clashed during negotiations in the past year, with military escalations erupting mid-talks. Analysts caution that the two-week window may not be enough to bridge divides over sanctions, compensation, and regional influence.
