US and Iran Reach Temporary Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions
Ceasefire Announcement
File image of thick smoke billowing over Tehran after US–Israel airstrikes on Iran. (Photo - @Vahid / X)
Washington, April 8: US President Donald Trump declared a significant step towards global peace, stating that Iran is ready to begin reconstruction following a two-week ceasefire agreement.
This announcement came just before a deadline set by Trump for Iran to comply with US demands or face military action, marking a retreat from potential military escalation in the region, facilitated by a proposal from Pakistan.
Trump indicated that the US would assist in managing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and that American forces would remain present to ensure stability.
In a social media update, Trump revealed that the decision followed discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who advocated for restraint amid rising tensions.
“After conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who requested that I delay military action against Iran, I have agreed to a two-week suspension of bombing, contingent upon Iran's commitment to fully and safely open the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump stated.
He characterized this initiative as a 'double-sided ceasefire' aimed at negotiating a more comprehensive peace agreement.
Trump emphasized that the US had already achieved its military objectives and was progressing towards a long-term peace agreement with Iran and stability in the Middle East.
He mentioned that Iran had submitted a '10-point proposal' which he considered a viable foundation for negotiations.
“Most of the previous points of contention have been resolved between the US and Iran. This two-week period will facilitate the finalization of the agreement,” he added.
In Tehran, the Supreme National Security Council confirmed acceptance of the ceasefire and announced negotiations with the US would commence in Islamabad on Friday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited representatives from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to discuss a definitive resolution.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that talks regarding in-person meetings were ongoing, but nothing would be confirmed until officially announced by the President or the White House.
Iran also expressed its readiness to temporarily open the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route, during the ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that military operations would cease if attacks against Iran stop.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be coordinated with Iran’s Armed Forces, considering technical limitations,” Araghchi explained.
Meanwhile, Israel supported the US decision to halt military action, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stating that they back Trump's initiative, provided Iran opens the strait immediately and ceases attacks on the US, Israel, and neighboring countries.
However, Israel clarified that the ceasefire arrangement is limited and does not extend to Lebanon, while reiterating its commitment to US efforts to neutralize Iran's nuclear and missile threats.
This announcement signifies a notable pause in what seemed to be an impending military confrontation in the Gulf, following Trump's earlier warnings to Iran regarding compliance with US demands.
The US had initiated military actions against Iran on February 28 due to Tehran's refusal to reduce its nuclear fuel stockpile.