WASHINGTON – In a dramatic late-night reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of planned military strikes against Iran, narrowly avoiding a massive escalation just hours before a critical deadline.
The deal, which Trump termed a “double-sided ceasefire,” hinges on Tehran’s commitment to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy artery that has been at the center of the recent conflict.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
- Two-Week Pause: The U.S. will halt all offensive operations for 14 days.
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran must ensure the “complete, immediate, and safe” opening of the waterway.
- Pakistan’s Mediation: The breakthrough followed direct intervention by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir.
- 10-Point Roadmap: Both nations are reviewing a new diplomatic proposal as a basis for a long-term peace deal.
The “Truth Social” Announcement
The announcement came via Truth Social less than two hours before an 8 p.m. deadline that many feared would mark the start of a “destructive force” being unleashed on Iranian soil.
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir… I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump posted.
Trump claimed that the U.S. has already “met and exceeded all military objectives,” suggesting that the pressure campaign had successfully forced Tehran to the negotiating table.
The President revealed that the U.S. has received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which he described as a “workable basis” for negotiation. According to the White House, most major points of contention have already been settled in principle. The two-week window is intended to “finalize and consummate” a definitive agreement for peace in the Middle East.
Global Market Reaction
Markets responded instantly to the de-escalation. WTI Crude oil prices plunged over 10% in after-hours trading, while U.S. stock futures saw a significant bounce. For a region that has spent the last 39 days on the edge of a wider war, the ceasefire provides a much-needed, albeit fragile and reprieve.
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