Iran agrees to temporary ceasefire as US pauses attacks

Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the United States, in a move aimed at easing rising tensions and preventing further escalation in the region.

The agreement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that Washington would hold off on threatened attacks against Iranian infrastructure if Tehran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“I have agreed to back off attacks for two weeks, subject to Iran reopening the Strait,” Trump said, stepping back from earlier warnings that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”

The temporary truce was brokered by Pakistan, which has been acting as a key mediator between the two sides. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the ceasefire would take effect immediately, raising hopes for a broader diplomatic breakthrough.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed that Tehran had accepted the ceasefire proposal, signaling a willingness to move toward de-escalation after weeks of conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country’s armed forces would facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week period, provided attacks against Iran are halted.

“If aggression stops, our forces will ensure secure transit,” he said, referring to the vital shipping route through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.

The Strait of Hormuz had been closed by Iran in response to the conflict, triggering global concern over energy supplies and maritime security. Its reopening, even temporarily, is expected to ease pressure on international markets and reduce the risk of wider economic disruption.

The conflict, which escalated sharply in late February, has involved sustained strikes and heightened tensions across the Middle East. While the ceasefire marks a significant pause in hostilities, key issues remain unresolved, including sanctions, regional security arrangements, and the presence of U.S. forces.

Talks between Iran and the United States are expected to begin in the coming days, with Pakistan continuing to play a facilitation role. Analysts say the negotiations will be crucial in determining whether the temporary truce can evolve into a longer-term agreement.

Despite the breakthrough, observers caution that the situation remains fragile, and any renewed escalation could quickly undo the progress achieved through the ceasefire.