US, Iran reach 2-week ceasefire after Trump steps back from threats

US and Iran agree to a two-week ceasefire after Trump backs off strike threats, reopening Hormuz route as diplomacy advances, though fresh attacks expose fragility of the truce.

MediaBites News — The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire late Tuesday after Donald Trump stepped back from threats of sweeping military strikes, signaling a shift toward diplomacy in the escalating conflict.

Trump had earlier warned of targeting Iran’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, raising international concern. However, hours before a self-imposed deadline, he announced a pause in military operations, citing progress toward a broader agreement.

A key component of the ceasefire is the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which is expected to ease global economic pressure following weeks of disrupted oil shipments.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed acceptance of the truce and said negotiations with Washington are set to begin in Islamabad. Officials credited Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir for facilitating backchannel diplomacy.

A U.S. official said Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire framework, including halting hostilities with Hezbollah along the Lebanese border, though concerns persist within Israeli leadership about the deal’s scope.

Despite the announcement, missile alerts were reported early Wednesday in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the fragile and volatile nature of the truce.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said maritime transit through Hormuz would resume under Iranian military oversight, with discussions underway on transit arrangements involving Oman.

Tehran has also outlined broader demands, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, sanctions relief, and access to frozen financial assets as part of any long-term settlement.

The conflict, now in its sixth week, has involved sustained U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, met with retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region.

While Trump described Iran’s 10-point proposal as “workable,” major issues remain unresolved, including Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium—one of the core triggers of the conflict.

The next two weeks are expected to be decisive, as both sides test whether diplomacy can hold amid continued tensions on the ground.