Donald Trump has agreed to suspend the “destructive force” he previously threatened against Iran, announcing a two-week ceasefire intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical global oil transit routes.
The announcement marks a significant shift in tensions that had escalated over recent weeks, raising fears of a broader regional conflict involving major global powers and threatening global energy supplies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the ceasefire agreement as a “big day for World Peace,” noting that the United States would assist in easing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely closed during the ongoing conflict.
The ceasefire was announced shortly before Trump’s previously stated deadline for possible military action against Iran expired. Over the past month, the waterway — through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — had been effectively blocked, causing global concern about rising energy prices and supply disruptions.
Trump revealed that Iran had presented what he described as a “workable” 10-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict. However, in a later remark, he referred to the same proposal as fraudulent, though he did not provide further details regarding the discrepancy.
According to Trump, the decision to suspend military action followed discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, who urged restraint and encouraged diplomatic engagement. The suspension of military action was reportedly contingent upon Iran agreeing to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee safe passage for international maritime traffic.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted the ceasefire proposal. However, Israeli officials clarified that the agreement would not apply to ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
This position contradicted statements from Pakistan, which played a mediating role in the agreement. Pakistani leadership indicated that the ceasefire was expected to include a halt to fighting in Lebanon, highlighting early disagreements over the scope and interpretation of the truce.
Following the announcement, Keir Starmer welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East. He also announced plans to travel to the region to support the implementation of the ceasefire and to visit British troops stationed in the area.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council of Iran confirmed that Tehran had accepted the temporary ceasefire and indicated readiness to begin negotiations with the United States in Islamabad.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be permitted for the duration of the ceasefire under Iranian military oversight. This arrangement is intended to ensure safe navigation while maintaining security in the sensitive waterway.
However, it remains unclear whether Iran will fully lift restrictions on the strait. Reports suggest that Iran and Oman may impose transit fees on vessels using the route during the ceasefire period. According to sources, Iran could potentially use revenue generated from these fees to fund reconstruction efforts following damage caused by the conflict.
Iran’s broader conditions for ending the conflict reportedly include the withdrawal of US forces from parts of the Middle East, the lifting of economic sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad. These demands are expected to form key points of discussion during the upcoming negotiations.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports indicated that attacks were recorded across Israel, Iran, and parts of the Gulf region early Wednesday, raising concerns about the immediate effectiveness of the agreement. The continued violence has highlighted the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the possibility of renewed hostilities.
Confusion has also emerged over details of Iran’s proposed peace plan. Reports indicate discrepancies between Farsi and English versions of the document. The Farsi version reportedly included a clause concerning the “acceptance of enrichment” for Iran’s nuclear programme — a provision that was omitted in English translations.
This difference has complicated negotiations, as both the United States and Israel have consistently demanded a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear activities. The issue of uranium enrichment remains one of the most contentious elements in discussions between Iran and Western powers.
Analysts say the success of the ceasefire will depend largely on whether both sides adhere to agreed conditions and whether negotiations in Islamabad produce a more comprehensive and lasting settlement.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a key shipping lane for oil exports from major producers including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
Any prolonged disruption to traffic through the strait has the potential to trigger global economic consequences, including rising oil prices, inflationary pressure, and supply chain disruptions.
Diplomatic observers note that while the ceasefire represents a positive development, the path toward lasting peace remains uncertain. The conflicting interpretations of the agreement, ongoing regional tensions, and unresolved issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme all pose significant challenges.
As negotiations prepare to begin in Islamabad, global attention remains focused on whether the two-week ceasefire will hold and whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a wider regional conflict.
The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the agreement marks the beginning of de-escalation or merely a temporary pause in an increasingly volatile geopolitical confrontation.
