In a notable development amid escalating tensions in West Asia (the Middle East), U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a temporary halt to military action involving Iran, describing the move as a “double-sided ceasefire.”
Trump said the pause was contingent on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.
He said U.S. military objectives had already been met and exceeded, adding that Washington was close to reaching a long-term peace agreement with Iran and in the wider Middle East.
Trump said the United States had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which he described as a workable basis for negotiations, adding that most outstanding issues had been resolved and that the two-week period would allow the agreement to be finalized.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran would halt its defensive operations if attacks against the country stop, following a request from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ongoing diplomatic exchanges with the United States.
He said the U.S. had sought negotiations based on a 15-point proposal and had accepted the general framework of Iran’s 10-point plan as a basis for talks, adding that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed for two weeks under coordination with Iran’s armed forces.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran and the United States, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, welcoming the move as a step toward lasting peace.
Sharif said the ceasefire would take effect immediately across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, and invited delegations from both sides to Islamabad on April 10 for further talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement.
He said both sides had shown “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and expressed hope that the proposed “Islamabad Talks” would lead to sustainable peace and stability in the region.