Trump announces two-week ceasefire; Iran agrees to reopen Strait of Hormuz
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Washington: US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of planned military strikes on Iran, typing it to the reciprocation by Tehran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and progress in broader peace talks.
Trump credited discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for urging restraint amid rising Gulf tensions. "Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," he stated, calling it a "double-sided ceasefire."
On its part, Iran's National Security Council said talks with Washington will begin in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Friday, based on Tehran’s 10-point proposal.
The Iranian statement came on Wednesday came after US President Donald Trump said he was holding off on a threat to end Iranian civilisation and would “suspend” attacks on the country for two weeks.
The move from both sides averts a potential major escalation. Trump noted that US forces had "already met and exceeded all military objectives" and were advancing toward a "definitive agreement" for long-term peace with Iran and the Middle East.
He highlighted Iran's "10-point proposal" as a "workable basis," with "almost all" past disputes resolved. The pause, he said, would finalize terms: "A two-week period will allow the Agreement to be finalised and consummated."
Trump described the breakthrough as "an honour," coming just 90 minutes before his 8 p.m. EST deadline, when he had warned Iran of bombing it back to the "Stone Age" absent a deal.
(With inputs from IANS)
