Us and iran agree to two-week ceasefire amid tensions

In a last-minute breakthrough, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, effective immediately, just hours before a deadline set by Washington to escalate the conflict.

Terms of the ceasefire

Under the deal, Iran has pledged to temporarily reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with safe passage coordinated through cooperation with the country's armed forces. The US, in turn, has suspended its attacks on Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the agreement, stating safe passage through the strait would be ensured for two weeks. Washington's decision followed a request from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged the US to extend its deadline for a deal and called on Iran to reopen the strait.

Next steps and challenges

Talks aimed at negotiating a longer-term resolution are set to begin on Friday in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan's prime minister. Tehran has proposed a 10-point plan, including the lifting of sanctions, creation of a war-loss fund, potential US troop withdrawal from the Gulf, and recognition of Iran's right to enrich uranium in exchange for a pledge not to build nuclear weapons.

However, it remains unclear whether the US has agreed to these proposals. The fragile ceasefire has triggered street celebrations in Tehran and Baghdad, with Iranian leaders declaring the conflict is ending