Web Desk: Iran has accepted a two-week ceasefire with the United States and will begin negotiations in Islamabad on Friday, its National Security Council said, outlining a tentative path toward de-escalation after weeks of intensifying conflict.
The announcement on Wednesday followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said Washington would pause further military action for the same period. He indicated the halt in strikes depends on Iran ensuring the uninterrupted and secure passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
Tensions around the waterway have rattled global markets. Iran imposed a partial restriction on traffic after joint US and Israeli strikes in late February, disrupting shipments and driving up oil prices while triggering fuel shortages in several regions. In response, Iran and allied groups escalated attacks, widening the conflict across the Middle East.
Trump said the United States had achieved its primary military objectives and was close to securing a long-term peace arrangement. He added that Washington had reviewed Tehran’s 10-point proposal and considered it a viable framework for negotiations. According to Trump, both sides have already narrowed differences on most key issues, and the pause in hostilities would allow time to finalise an agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s position, stating that Iran would halt its defensive operations if attacks against it cease. He added that safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz could be coordinated with Iranian forces under the proposed framework.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said both sides had agreed to an immediate ceasefire extending beyond Iran to other areas affected by the conflict, including Lebanon. He invited delegations from Tehran and Washington to Islamabad for talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement.
Iran’s proposal includes provisions that would give Tehran oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, a move it says would strengthen its economic and geopolitical standing. It also calls for the withdrawal of US forces from regional bases, an end to operations against allied groups, and compensation for war-related damages.
In addition, Tehran is seeking the removal of international sanctions, the release of frozen assets abroad, and formal ratification of any agreement through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
Despite agreeing to negotiations, Iran emphasized its deep mistrust of the United States and warned it would respond forcefully to any renewed military action. Officials said the two-week window for talks could be extended if both parties agree.
Israel has backed Washington’s decision to pause strikes but said its own military operations in Lebanon would continue, underscoring the fragile and complex nature of the ceasefire.
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