The United States has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, President Trump announced Tuesday night, stepping back from threats of devastating military strikes just hours before his deadline was set to expire.
Pakistan brokered the proposal, which commits Iran to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping during the pause. The agreement buys time for both sides to pursue negotiations on a broader accord that could end hostilities between the countries.
Trump had issued an ultimatum earlier in the day, threatening to target Iranian infrastructure including bridges, power plants, and oil and water systems if no deal materialized. The sudden reversal caught observers by surprise, particularly given the intensity of his language about eliminating Iran's "civilization."
The brief window established by the ceasefire would serve as a negotiating period for a comprehensive settlement. Behind-the-scenes discussions have included preliminary talks about in-person meetings, potentially led by Vice President Vance, though no formal negotiations have been announced yet.
Pakistan emerged as the key intermediary in recent talks, with discussions accelerating significantly over the past 24 hours. The diplomatic push drew pressure from multiple quarters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabian and UAE leadership, and influential Republican allies like Senator Lindsey Graham had urged Trump to reject any deal that did not extract major concessions from Iran.
Within Trump's own camp, however, different voices advocated for accepting a negotiated solution. Vice President Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff both counseled the president to pursue a deal if one could be secured.
The agreement represents a dramatic shift in tone from Trump's earlier threats and reflects the complex diplomatic calculations surrounding potential U.S.-Iran conflict. Whether the two-week period yields a lasting agreement remains uncertain, but it has at minimum averted an immediate military escalation.
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