U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a two-week postponement of airstrikes against Iran, citing discussions with Pakistani officials. This decision comes as part of a bilateral ceasefire agreement and follows Iran’s presentation of a ten-point proposal deemed acceptable for negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “After conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Marshal Asim Munir, who requested that I halt the planned destructive strike against Iran, I agree to suspend bombings and attacks for two weeks, provided the Islamic Republic of Iran ensures the safe and immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
The President emphasized that the ceasefire should be mutual, noting that the U.S. has already met and exceeded its military objectives and is making progress towards a long-term settlement with Iran. He expressed confidence that the two-week timeframe would allow for the finalization of an agreement.
The Iranian National Security Council confirmed the two-week ceasefire facilitated by Pakistan, labeling it a “victory for Iran” and indicating that discussions for a permanent agreement will take place in Islamabad.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is feasible within the two-week period, contingent upon coordination with Iran’s armed forces and technical considerations. He added that Iran’s “powerful armed forces” would cease defensive operations if attacks against the country are halted.
Previously, Trump had set a ten-day deadline for Iran to cease attacks on energy infrastructure, which expired on April 6. Due to a lack of progress, he extended the deadline by 20 hours, until the evening of April 7.
Reports indicate that the U.S., Iran, and a group of regional mediators are discussing terms for a 45-day ceasefire, which could serve as a step towards ending hostilities.
On April 6, Iran presented a separate ten-point plan to the U.S. and Israel through Pakistan aimed at ceasing the conflict.
In a related context, on February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting Trump to announce a significant military operation against Iran to eliminate perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The operation has seen Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launch missiles and drones towards Israel and attack U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In light of escalating tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to regional security in the Middle East.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all affected nations.
On March 1, the IRGC announced the commencement of a major offensive operation against Israel and U.S. bases, prompting Trump to warn Iran against such plans and threaten a strong response.
As of March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had candidates in mind for a new leader. By March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on this election, stating only, “Let’s see what happens.” He had previously indicated that the new leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of attacks on Iranian energy facilities until April 6, attributing the decision to a request from the Iranian government as negotiations continued.
President Trump has agreed to delay military action against Iran for two weeks following diplomatic discussions. This decision aligns with a bilateral ceasefire and ongoing negotiations for a long-term agreement, as confirmed by both U.S. and Iranian officials.