US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire

International

THE United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, just hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a possible military strike.

The agreement followed more than a month of intense attacks involving the United States and Israel.

As part of the deal, Iran will temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s supply, a report by Agence France-Presse said.

Trump said he decided to delay the planned attack after speaking with Pakistan’s leaders, who requested more time for diplomatic efforts.

“Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that ships would be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks. He added that Iran would stop its defensive operations if attacks against the country are halted.

Talks between the United States and Iran are set to begin Friday in Pakistan, which has stepped in as a mediator.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully,” as he encouraged Trump to postpone the attacks.

Oil prices dropped shortly after the ceasefire announcement, following weeks of increases caused by concerns over supply disruptions.

Before the agreement, Trump issued strong warnings, including threats to target major infrastructure such as power plants and bridges. These statements raised concerns among observers about possible violations of international law.(Adriane Josef E. Cabase, USJ-R Comm Intern)