By Gloria Ogbonna
The Islamic Republic of Iran has formally agreed to a two-week ceasefire and announced that it will allow coordinated access through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, signaling a significant de-escalation in tensions that have gripped the region in recent weeks.
In an official statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s decision and credited key Pakistani leaders for their role in facilitating dialogue and calming hostilities.
Araghchi specifically expressed appreciation to Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Field Marshal, for what he described as their “tireless efforts” to help bring the conflict closer to an end.
“On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers, Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region,” Araghchi stated.
According to the announcement, Iran’s decision follows what Araghchi described as a “brotherly request” from Prime Minister Sharif, along with a U.S. request to begin negotiations based on a 15-point proposal. He also referenced a public statement by U.S. President Donald Trump indicating acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s own 10-point proposal as a basis for talks.
Speaking on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Araghchi declared that if attacks against Iran are halted, the country’s armed forces will suspend their defensive operations. He added that, for a two-week period, safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be made possible through coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with consideration of technical and security limitations.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with a substantial portion of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway. Any threat to its accessibility has historically triggered sharp volatility in global energy markets, making the announcement particularly consequential for international trade and economic stability.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Trump announced via Truth Social that a ceasefire agreement had been reached ahead of his previously set deadline. In his statement, Trump said that after conversations with Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir — during which they requested a pause in military action — he agreed to suspend further bombing and attacks against Iran for a period of two weeks. However, he emphasized that the ceasefire was contingent upon Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump described the agreement as a “double-sided ceasefire,” asserting that U.S. military objectives had already been met or exceeded. He further stated that both sides were “very far along” in reaching a definitive long-term peace agreement not only between the United States and Iran but also aimed at promoting broader stability in the Middle East.
According to the president, Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that Washington considers a workable foundation for negotiations. He indicated that most of the major issues that had previously divided the two nations had been addressed in principle, and that the two-week pause would provide time to finalize and formalize the agreement.
“Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to,” Trump said, expressing confidence that the framework could lead to lasting peace. He described it as an honor to bring what he called a “longterm problem” close to resolution.
While significant diplomatic hurdles may remain, the ceasefire announcement represents a pivotal moment in a conflict that has drawn regional and global attention.
The coming two weeks are expected to be critical as negotiators work to transform the temporary truce into a durable peace agreement with far-reaching implications for regional security and global energy markets.
Source Breitbart
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