The US and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire
The agreement provides for a suspension of Trump’s threats of large-scale strikes and a commitment by Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks. This period is intended to be used for negotiations on a broader agreement that could lead to an end to the war, Axios reports.
According to reports, the parties discussed the possibility of face-to-face talks through intermediaries. Vice-President J.D. Vance is likely to lead them, though no official announcements have been made.
The statement came less than 12 hours after Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s entire ‘civilisation’. In particular, he mentioned bridges, power stations, as well as oil and water infrastructure.
Negotiations between the US and Iran have intensified over the past 24 hours, with Pakistan acting as the key mediator.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as political allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have urged Trump to reject any proposal that does not include substantial concessions from Iran.
At the same time, members of Trump’s team, including J.D. Vance and Special Representative Steve Witkoff, advised him to accept the deal if it could be reached.