United States President Donald Trump has announced a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran, linking the pause in hostilities to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform late Tuesday, Trump said the decision followed appeals from Pakistan’s leadership, who requested additional time to pursue diplomatic efforts.
According to him, the temporary suspension of U.S. military operations will only take effect if Iran guarantees the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the vital maritime route. He described the arrangement as a “two-sided ceasefire,” indicating that both sides are expected to comply.
The announcement marks a shift after several days of heightened tensions. Iran had earlier restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, responsible for about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport—amid ongoing conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Just hours before declaring the ceasefire, Trump had issued a strong warning, saying severe consequences could follow if Iran failed to reopen the waterway within a set deadline. He also threatened broader attacks on critical infrastructure, including power systems and bridges, describing such measures as necessary in response to what he called longstanding hostile actions by Tehran.
The sudden move toward de-escalation is widely attributed to last-minute diplomatic intervention by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir reportedly held urgent discussions with Washington, urging restraint and pushing for dialogue.
Pakistan’s involvement underscores its strategic ties with both the United States and Iran, positioning it as a key intermediary at a critical stage in the crisis.
