A surprise diplomatic breakthrough sees the US and Iran agree to a short ceasefire, with Pakistan stepping in as mediator and both sides opening the door for wider negotiations.
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US and Iran have agreed to a 14-day ceasefire, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated the negotiations between the two countries, announced early Wednesday morning.
“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY,” he wrote on X, minutes before US President Donald Trump’s deadline was about to expire.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also confirmed the development. In a statement issued on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Araghchi expressed his gratitude and appreciation for “my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.”
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“In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal, as well as the announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.”
The statement further added, “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
US President Trump also confirmed the development, posting the Iranian statement on his Truth Social.
The Iranian 10-point plan, according to state media, includes “complete cessation of the war on Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.”
Ending all conflicts in the region in their entirety; reopening the Strait of Hormuz; establishing a protocol and conditions to ensure freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran also claimed that the US has agreed to “full payment of compensation for reconstruction costs to Iran and has committed to lifting sanctions.”
Iranian funds and frozen assets held by the United States will also be released.
In exchange, Tehran has committed to “not seeking possession of any nuclear weapons.”
“An immediate ceasefire takes effect on all fronts upon approval of the above conditions.”
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