Need to know
President Trump has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, allowing time for diplomatic talks to progress after Pakistan appealed for more time to negotiate.
Need to know: Trump Agrees Two-Week Ceasefire in Iran Following Pakistani Intervention
- Donald Trump stepped back from his threat to obliterate Iran last night, agreeing to a two-week ceasefire in order to allow diplomatic negotiations to move forward.
- The suspension of bombing came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a public appeal for additional time to pursue last-minute talks. Trump had previously warned that unless Iran was prepared to “make a deal” and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US would unleash “hell” upon the country.
- Trump had intensified pressure ahead of his 8pm deadline, cautioning that “a whole civilisation will die” should Tehran refuse to reach an agreement. Following the announcement, he declared there was no doubt the US had secured a “total and complete victory”.
- The White House confirmed that Israel had likewise agreed to the ceasefire with Iran, however Israeli officials stated they would press ahead with strikes on Lebanon, which they claimed was excluded from the agreement — directly contradicting announcements made by both Pakistan and Iran, reports the Mirror.
- Iran subsequently confirmed that vessels would be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under military coordination. Abbas Araghchi stated: “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces.” Trump announced the US and Iran will negotiate an agreement over the coming fortnight following Iran’s submission of a 10-point proposal featuring regional de-escalation, sanctions relief, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with a £1.6million levy per vessel.
- Keir Starmer has confirmed he will travel to the Gulf today. The Prime Minister stated Britain will “do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire.” He added: “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world… Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”
- Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated: “I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” He maintained the US had “already met and exceeded all Military objectives” and was approaching a “definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran”.
- The truce grants Iran full authority over the strategically vital waterway – control they previously lacked before hostilities commenced. The fortnight window will enable finalisation of Iran’s “10-point plan” while diplomatic initiatives progress throughout the Middle East.
