U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he had agreed to suspend planned bombing operations against Iran for two weeks, following mediation efforts led by Pakistan.
In a social media post, Trump said the temporary halt was tied to a proposed 14-day ceasefire aimed at creating room for negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
He indicated that the decision followed direct discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan… I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” - President Donald Trump
He added that the pause would depend on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz,” a vital global shipping route that has remained at the centre of regional tensions.
Proposal opens door for negotiations
Trump said the United States had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it as a “workable basis” for a broader agreement.
According to him, the two-week period could provide enough time for negotiators to finalise a deal, claiming that “nearly all” of the major issues previously dividing the two sides had already been addressed.
“This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE,” Trump said, suggesting that both Washington and Tehran would hold back from further escalation during the proposed truce period.
The Iran war began on February 28 after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases.
The conflict has triggered sharp volatility in global financial and energy markets, with oil prices rising on fears of prolonged instability and possible disruption to shipping through the Gulf.
Humanitarian and regional toll grows
The fighting has also exacted a heavy humanitarian cost. U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran, as well as Israeli military operations in Lebanon, have reportedly killed thousands and displaced millions.
Trump’s latest announcement came only hours after he warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to agree to terms, underscoring the high stakes surrounding the proposed ceasefire and the uncertain path to a longer-term settlement.
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