United States President Donald Trump has announced a last-minute two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, stepping back from imminent military action just hours before a self-imposed deadline that had raised fears of large-scale destruction.
Trump disclosed that the temporary truce was reached less than two hours before the deadline he had earlier issued to Tehran, warning of devastating consequences if Iran failed to comply.
The ceasefire is conditional on Iran reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a key global oil transit route responsible for roughly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum shipments.
According to multiple international reports, the agreement includes a pause in hostilities by both sides, with Iran committing to allow safe passage of oil and gas shipments through the strait under coordinated supervision.
The breakthrough followed intense diplomatic pressure and mediation efforts, particularly from Pakistan, which urged both parties to avoid escalation and allow room for negotiations.
Trump had earlier threatened sweeping strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure if the waterway remained blocked, a move that could have significantly escalated the conflict.
However, he reversed course shortly before the deadline, describing the ceasefire as a major strategic win while expressing optimism about further diplomatic engagement.
Iran, on its part, has conditionally accepted the ceasefire, insisting that any agreement must include a halt to attacks against its territory.
Officials in Tehran indicated that while the truce offers a window for negotiations, underlying tensions remain unresolved.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to ease pressure on global energy markets, where millions of barrels of oil have been stranded due to disruptions caused by the conflict.
Despite the development, analysts caution that the ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides yet to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
Formal talks are expected to continue in the coming days as global attention remains fixed on the region.
