Ceasefire Reached: Iran, US to Begin Negotiations Amid Global Mediation

Following 40 days of conflict, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, paving the way for formal negotiations between the two nations. The talks are scheduled to begin on April 10 in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that the decision to agree to a ceasefire was taken after appeals from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s Army Chief. Prior to the ceasefire, Trump had issued a strong warning to Iran, stating that if safe passage was not ensured for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the US would take severe action, including targeting critical infrastructure. According to a report by The New York Times, the agreement was made possible through Pakistan’s mediation and last-minute intervention by China. Pakistan had proposed the two-week ceasefire, which Iran accepted. Under the agreement, the United States and Israel will halt their attacks, while Iran will also suspend its military actions. During the ceasefire period, Iran, with support from its military, will ensure safe passage for oil, gas, and other vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire will also extend to other regions, including Lebanon. Both countries have agreed to the ceasefire terms, which include reopening the Strait of Hormuz under conditions set by Iran. As per available information, former US President Donald Trump has accepted eight conditions put forward by Iran. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) issued a statement following the announcement of the conditional ceasefire. The statement noted that formal discussions to finalize the terms would be held in Islamabad within a maximum of 15 days. It further stated that the negotiations aim to consolidate Iran’s ground gains into a political framework. Key Conditions Put Forward by Iran: Guarantee that no further attacks will be carried out against Iran Iran will retain control over the Strait of Hormuz Acceptance of uranium enrichment Removal of all primary and secondary sanctions Termination of all resolutions by the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency Compensation to Iran Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region Ceasefire across all fronts, including Islamic resistance in Lebanon