Trump Halts Strike Threats as Washington and Tehran Reach Temporary Truce

A temporary de-escalation in the ongoing conflict involving United States, Iran and Israel has been announced, with Washington and Tehran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire that includes reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump late Tuesday withdrew earlier threats of launching major strikes on Iran. The decision came just two hours before a previously set deadline given to Tehran. According to officials, the ceasefire agreement also предусматривает resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed its acceptance of the ceasefire and announced plans to begin talks with the United States in Pakistan starting Friday. However, despite the announcement, attacks continued on Wednesday morning across Israel, Iran, and parts of the Gulf region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel supports the ceasefire arrangement but clarified that it does not apply to its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has also demanded that Iran immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt all hostile actions. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated that the ceasefire framework includes an appeal to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. He also confirmed that Pakistan will host talks between the US and Iran. Some confusion emerged during the process due to differences between Persian and English versions of Iran’s proposed 10-point plan. The Persian version reportedly included a clause referring to approval of nuclear-related modifications, which was absent in the English draft. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will be managed under Iranian military oversight. He added that Iran and Oman would levy fees on passing vessels, with funds to be used for reconstruction efforts. Tehran has also demanded the withdrawal of US forces from the region, removal of sanctions, and release of frozen funds as part of broader conditions to end the conflict. President Trump said his decision followed discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir. Despite the ceasefire announcement, pro-government demonstrations were reported in Tehran, with protesters raising slogans against the US and Israel. Casualty figures continue to rise, with more than 1,900 deaths reported in Iran and over 1,500 in Lebanon since the conflict began, along with widespread displacement. Missile alerts remain active across Gulf countries, and reports of a fire at a gas facility in Abu Dhabi have surfaced. While US forces have paused offensive operations, officials confirmed that defensive actions will continue. Separately, President Trump warned that any country supplying weapons to Iran would face immediate tariffs of up to 50 percent, signaling continued economic pressure on Tehran’s allies. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that more than 15 countries are preparing to assist in restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under a coordinated defensive mission.