US President Donald Trump has announced a two-week suspension of planned military strikes on Iran, linking the decision to Tehran’s willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and engage in negotiations. Reported by TOI.
While the move signals a temporary pause in hostilities between Washington and Tehran, there is no clear indication that the conflict has fully ended.
The decision followed a sharp escalation in rhetoric earlier in the day, with Trump warning of severe consequences before last-minute diplomatic interventions by mediators. He stated that the US had achieved its military objectives and suggested both sides were nearing a broader agreement.
Iran, meanwhile, has indicated conditional cooperation. Its leadership has agreed to a temporary ceasefire window and proposed a broader framework for ending the conflict, while maintaining that any halt in military action depends on the cessation of attacks against it.
However, continued missile activity across the Gulf and ongoing Israeli operations highlight that the situation remains volatile.
The US-announced arrangement is limited to two weeks and is intended as a pause rather than a resolution. Trump described it as a “double sided ceasefire,” but officials on both sides have stressed its conditional nature.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also clarified that the move “does not signify the termination of the war.”
“It is emphasized that this does not signify the termination of the war,” the statement said. “Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force,” reported TOI.
A key US demand is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil supplies pass. Trump has made its “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening a condition for suspending strikes.
Iran has agreed in principle, but only under coordination with its armed forces and subject to technical constraints, continuing to use the strait as a strategic lever.
Iran has not declared an unconditional halt to operations.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said,
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.”
The lack of trust between both sides leaves room for misinterpretation, especially regarding what constitutes “defensive operations.”
Negotiations between the US and Iran are expected to take place in Islamabad during the two-week window.
Trump stated,
"Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran.”
Iran has confirmed participation, signalling openness to diplomacy after weeks of escalation.
Tehran has proposed a comprehensive 10-point framework aimed at ending the conflict.
Key elements include:
• Permanent cessation of hostilities across Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen
• Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• Lifting of US sanctions
• Release of frozen assets
• Financial compensation for reconstruction
The proposal also includes a commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons.
A discrepancy between the Farsi and English versions of Iran’s proposal has raised concerns.
According to TOI, the Farsi version includes “acceptance of enrichment” regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, while the English version omits it.
This difference could complicate negotiations, especially as Trump has insisted on ending Iran’s nuclear programme entirely.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, hostilities have not fully stopped.
Reports indicate missile and drone threats across the Gulf, with countries like Qatar and United Arab Emiratesintercepting threats.
Israel has also reported incoming missiles and continued its own strikes.
Trump has expressed optimism, stating,
“Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to.”
He described Iran’s proposal as a “workable basis,” though key disagreements remain unresolved.
The ceasefire also reflects broader regional involvement, including Pakistan’s mediation and ongoing concerns among Gulf nations and Israel.
Iran’s decentralised military system may complicate implementation of the ceasefire.
While orders have reportedly been issued, regional commanders retain autonomy, which could lead to inconsistent adherence and increase the risk of escalation.
Fundamental disputes—including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional influence, and geopolitical tensions—remain unresolved.
According to NYT, critical concerns such as Iran’s nuclear stockpile and regional power balance are still intact.
The US-Iran ceasefire marks a significant de-escalation—but not the end of the war.
With conditions attached, ongoing military activity, and unresolved core issues, the situation remains fragile. The next two weeks of negotiations will be crucial in determining whether this pause leads to lasting peace or remains a temporary break in an ongoing conflict.