“Following an agreement on a ceasefire, the U.S. military has halted attacks inside Iran. According to the U.S. Central Command, since the war began, the U.S. has targeted over 13,000 locations in Iran. President Donald Trump has stated that he has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, provided that Iran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Ready to Open the Strait of Hormuz for Two Weeks
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that during these two weeks, the country’s military will coordinate to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement further added, ‘If the attacks on Iran are stopped, our powerful armed forces will also cease their defensive operations.’
Iran Claims Victory
According to Iranian state media reports, a statement by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said that ‘Iran has achieved a major victory and has forced the U.S. to accept its 10-point plan.’ The Council reported that under this plan, the U.S. has agreed in principle to lift all primary and secondary sanctions against Iran and to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from its bases in the region.
According to the Council, the U.S. has also agreed to accept Iran’s nuclear enrichment and recognize Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Council further stated that controlled movement through this waterway will be carried out ‘in coordination with Iran’s armed forces.’
Possible U.S.-Iran Meeting in Pakistan on Friday
Citing two sources familiar with the plan, Axios reported that the first round of talks between the U.S. and Iran on the agreement to end the war is scheduled to take place this Friday in Islamabad. This will be the first face-to-face dialogue since the war began.
U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios, ‘Discussions regarding face-to-face talks are ongoing, but nothing is final until a decision comes from the President or the White House.’
Although Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, led the diplomacy with Iran during the war, supported by Vice President Vance, these roles might change during face-to-face talks. It is possible that the U.S. delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance.
A senior U.S. official said that JD Vance has developed good relations with Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir. Trump and Araghchi expressed gratitude to the country’s Prime Minister as well as Munir for their efforts towards the ceasefire. Trump’s son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner, has also been involved in these talks.
Iran Announces Cessation of War
Iran’s Supreme Leader has directed all military units to stop firing. This was stated in a statement read on the government news channel IRIB, which came about two hours after President Donald Trump’s statement that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between the U.S. and Iran. The statement said, ‘This is not the end of the war, but all military branches must cease firing following the Supreme Leader’s order.’
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the ceasefire announcement.”
