U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to suspend what he previously described as a “destructive force” against Iran, announcing a two-week ceasefire aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil corridor.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the agreement as a “big day for World Peace,” adding that the United States would help ease maritime traffic through the strait, which has remained largely closed during the ongoing conflict. The ceasefire comes just ahead of a deadline earlier issued to Iran, with the waterway—through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply passes—having been effectively blocked for weeks.
Trump said Iran had presented a “workable” 10-point peace plan to end the conflict, though he later cast doubt on it, describing it as fraudulent without providing further details. He noted that the decision to suspend military action followed discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, who urged restraint on the condition that Iran allow the immediate and safe reopening of the strait.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted the ceasefire proposal, but clarified that it would not extend to ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, Pakistan, which played a mediating role, indicated that the ceasefire should include a halt to fighting in Lebanon, highlighting emerging differences over the scope of the agreement.
Reacting to the development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire and announced plans to travel to the Middle East to support its implementation and visit British troops stationed in the region.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed acceptance of the temporary truce and signaled readiness to begin negotiations with the United States in Islamabad. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed during the ceasefire under Iranian military supervision.
Uncertainty remains over whether Iran will fully lift restrictions on the waterway, with reports suggesting that both Iran and Oman may introduce transit fees for vessels, potentially to support reconstruction efforts.
Iran’s broader conditions for a permanent resolution reportedly include the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of frozen assets.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, attacks were reported across Israel, Iran, and parts of the Gulf early Wednesday, raising doubts about the immediate effectiveness of the agreement.
Confusion has also emerged over the details of Iran’s proposed peace plan, with discrepancies between Farsi and English versions. The Farsi version reportedly includes a clause on the acceptance of uranium enrichment for Iran’s nuclear programme—a provision absent in English translations—complicating negotiations, as both the United States and Israel have consistently demanded a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear activities.