Iran and the US have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, during which shipping traffic will be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes more than a month after the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran, and hours after US President Donald Trump threatened 'a whole civilisation will die tonight' if Iran did not reopen the Strait.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating negotiations, stated that the ceasefire was effective immediately.
What have the US and Iran each said?
Trump announced that he would suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks if Tehran allows vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil. He justified this ceasefire on the grounds that the US military objectives had already been met.
Iran has agreed to coordinate the passage of vessels through the Strait with its military while issuing a ten-point plan demanding the cessation of conflict in the region and a full commitment to ending sanctions against Iran.
This plan also includes provisions on nuclear weapons and claims of territorial victories leading to political negotiations.
What has Israel said?
Following Trump's announcement, the Israel Defense Forces reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced support for the ceasefire under conditions such as reopening of the strait and halting attacks on Israel. However, there is no current indication that Israel plans to cease operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
What is next?
Pakistan has invited delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations towards a conclusive settlement of disputes. Ongoing talks are expected to be challenging due to contradictory positions between the US and Iran.
