Two-Week Ceasefire Between Iran and the United States; Decision for Talks in Islamabad

International Desk, PNN 

Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the United States. Iran’s National Security Council announced that discussions between the two countries will commence on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, based on Iran’s ten-point proposal.

In a statement released on Thursday, Iran stated that during the ceasefire period, the country’s powerful military forces would suspend defensive operations. Additionally, the safe navigation of the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured under the coordination of Iranian forces.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is suspending attacks against Iran for two weeks. However, he noted that the ceasefire is conditional; Iran must agree to immediately and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Earlier, after attacks by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, Iran had partially blocked the waterway, disrupting global trade, raising oil prices, and creating an energy crisis.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “If attacks against Iran cease, our armed forces will also suspend defensive operations.” He further mentioned that the two-week discussion period could be extended with the consent of both parties if necessary.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also stated that the ceasefire would be implemented immediately everywhere, including Lebanon, and invited delegations from both sides to Islamabad for talks.

Iran’s ten-point proposal includes controlling the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing all U.S. military forces from the Middle East, halting military operations against allied forces, providing reparations for the war, and lifting all types of sanctions. It also calls for the release of Iranian assets held abroad and the legitimization of the final agreement by the United Nations Security Council.

Although Iran has agreed to the ceasefire, it maintains complete distrust toward the U.S. side and is prepared to respond with “full force” to any slightest violation by the adversary.

Meanwhile, Israel has expressed support for Trump’s decision; however, its military operations in Lebanon are not included under this ceasefire.