What we know about the two-week US and Iran ceasefire

Immediate Effectiveness of the Ceasefire

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator, confirmed on Wednesday that the ceasefire between the US and Iran is effective immediately. This agreement allows for the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil and trade in the Gulf. The deal follows a month of coordinated attacks by the US and Israel on Iranian targets, and comes hours after US President Donald Trump issued a warning about potential global consequences if Iran did not reopen the strait.

Trump’s Conditional Agreement

Trump declared his support for a two-week pause in bombing Iran, contingent on Tehran agreeing to clear the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, he stated the suspension was due to “meeting and exceeding all military objectives.” The leader of the United States had previously warned of a “whole civilisation dying tonight” if Iran did not comply, a statement that sparked criticism from the UN secretary-general and the Pope.

“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives.” – Donald Trump

Iran’s Demands and Commitments

Iran has accepted the temporary halt in attacks but has outlined its own conditions. These include the cessation of wars in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen; full commitment to lifting sanctions; the release of frozen assets by the US; and payment for reconstruction costs. Additionally, Iran pledged “not to seek possession of any nuclear weapons.” The Supreme National Security Council of Tehran emphasized that their “victory in the field would be consolidated in political negotiations.”

Israel’s Conditional Stance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the suspension of strikes against Iran but clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon. His statement noted that Israel would continue its operations there until the threat posed by Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group, is neutralized. Despite the agreement, there is no evidence that Israel has agreed to halt its activities in the region. Shortly after Trump’s announcement, sirens were heard in Israel, and the military reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran.

Ongoing Negotiations and Uncertainties

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned discussions about in-person talks but stressed that no terms are final until the President or White House declares them. The ceasefire’s terms remain contentious, with both nations holding divergent views. Iran and the US have previously engaged in two rounds of negotiations, each concluding with increased military tensions. Pakistan has invited the parties to meet in Islamabad on Friday to pursue a definitive resolution.