Iran war pauses for 2 weeks as Tehran says it will give safe passage through Hormuz

In a last-minute announcement on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the decision followed discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, who urged restraint. The US President said the pause was conditional on Iran agreeing to fully and immediately reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Abbas Araghchi confirmed that a tentative understanding had been reached. He stated that Iran would halt its defensive military operations if attacks against the country ceased.

Araghchi added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be permitted for two weeks, coordinated by Iran’s armed forces and subject to logistical considerations. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the de-escalation.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council indicated that the temporary arrangement could be extended if negotiations progress positively, with further talks expected to take place in Islamabad.

Strait of Hormuz at the Centre of Ceasefire Deal

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the central bargaining point in the crisis. The narrow waterway handles nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments, making it one of the most critical energy corridors in the world.

Iran had previously restricted maritime traffic through the strait following attacks linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. The disruption triggered a sharp rise in global fuel prices and intensified pressure on Washington from allies and domestic stakeholders.

The two-week pause marks the latest in a series of shifting deadlines set by Trump over the past month. The US President had repeatedly threatened to target Iran’s infrastructure, including power plants and transport networks, while delaying action to allow space for negotiations.

Earlier in the day, Trump posted a stark warning suggesting catastrophic consequences if Iran did not comply, calling the moment one of the most consequential in modern history. By evening, however, he framed the pause as a strategic decision following what he described as significant progress toward a broader agreement.

Trump also claimed that Iran had presented a “workable” 10-point proposal for peace, stating that most major areas of disagreement between the two sides had already been addressed.

Regional Relief Mixed with Uncertainty

The announcement has been met with cautious relief across the Middle East, where fears of a large-scale military strike had raised concerns about widespread instability. Analysts note that the temporary halt reduces immediate risks but leaves key questions unresolved, particularly around enforcement and the scope of the ceasefire.

Uncertainty also remains over whether Benjamin Netanyahu will align with the pause, as Israel continues its own military operations in the region.

War Toll and Global Implications

The conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, has already resulted in significant casualties. Thousands have been reported killed across Iran and neighbouring regions, while losses have also been recorded among US and Israeli forces.

Beyond the battlefield, the crisis has had far-reaching economic consequences. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven up global energy prices, placing additional strain on economies already facing inflationary pressures.

Diplomatic Window Opens, But Risks Remain

The two-week suspension of hostilities is being seen as a critical diplomatic window to negotiate a longer-term settlement. However, experts caution that the fragile nature of the agreement, combined with competing regional interests, could quickly unravel if conditions are not met.

With negotiations set to continue and military forces still on high alert, the coming days are likely to determine whether the pause leads to lasting de-escalation or merely delays a broader confrontation.