The breakthrough came after direct intervention by Pakistan’s leadership, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposing a temporary halt to military operations.
Trump confirmed the decision, stating that planned attacks would be suspended for two weeks, provided Iran ensures the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He described the move as a step toward a broader agreement, adding that both sides are close to resolving long-standing points of conflict.
Iran Responds With Conditional Acceptance
Iran signaled its willingness to cooperate, announcing that it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same two-week period if attacks against its territory are halted.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s armed forces would suspend operations under a “double-sided ceasefire,” allowing safe passage through the vital oil route under coordinated conditions.
This marks the first time Tehran has publicly aligned with a US-backed framework during the current conflict.
Pakistan Emerges as Key Mediator
Pakistan has taken center stage in the diplomatic process, acting as the primary communication bridge between Washington and Tehran.
Officials confirmed that both countries have agreed to an immediate ceasefire framework, with formal talks expected to take place in Islamabad to negotiate a long-term settlement.
The proposed talks are being positioned as a decisive step toward ending the conflict entirely.
Global Markets React Instantly
Financial markets responded sharply to the ceasefire news.
Oil prices dropped below $100 per barrel after surging in previous days, reflecting reduced fears of supply disruption through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, Japan’s stock market surged more than 4 percent, while global investors shifted back toward risk assets following weeks of volatility.
World Leaders Welcome De-Escalation
International reaction was swift, with leaders across multiple countries welcoming the temporary ceasefire.
The United Nations called the agreement a positive step and urged all sides to work toward a lasting peace. Several governments, including Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand, praised the diplomatic breakthrough and emphasized the need for a permanent resolution.
Even US officials described the deal as a strategic success, claiming it created leverage for negotiations.
Israel Position Adds Complexity
Israel backed the US decision to pause strikes but clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to all fronts, particularly Lebanon, where tensions with Hezbollah remain active.
This highlights that while the US-Iran front may be stabilizing temporarily, the broader regional conflict is not fully contained.
A Critical Window for Final Peace Deal
The two-week ceasefire is now being seen as a narrow but crucial window to finalize a comprehensive agreement.
Trump indicated that both sides are already working from overlapping proposals, including Iran’s 10-point plan, suggesting that a longer-term settlement may be within reach.
However, uncertainty remains high, with analysts warning that failure to secure a final deal within this period could quickly reverse the current de-escalation.
What Happens Next
The focus now shifts to upcoming negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad, where both sides will attempt to convert the temporary ceasefire into a lasting agreement.
For now, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the pause in military operations offer a rare moment of stability in an otherwise volatile conflict.
Whether this leads to peace or simply delays further escalation will depend on what happens in the coming days.
