Washington: A temporary pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran has been announced after Washington agreed to a two week ceasefire proposal presented by Tehran, creating an opportunity for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
US President Donald Trump said the proposal, which includes a 10 point framework from Iran, offers a “workable” basis for further dialogue and long term peace in the region. As part of the agreement, US military strikes on Iranian targets have been suspended while diplomatic efforts continue.
The proposal requires the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route through which roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. During the ceasefire period, Iran’s military is expected to coordinate safe passage of vessels through the waterway while maintaining oversight of the route.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran had accepted the ceasefire arrangement, stating that Iran would halt its defensive operations if attacks by the United States and Israel stop during the two week period.
The conflict began on February 28 following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory actions by Iran and heightened tensions across the Middle East. Tehran later claimed the ceasefire negotiations reflected a diplomatic victory after presenting its conditions for ending the hostilities.
Iran’s proposed framework includes commitments on non aggression, recognition of its nuclear enrichment programme and the lifting of both primary and secondary sanctions imposed by the United States. Other demands include the release of frozen Iranian assets, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region and a binding resolution by the United Nations Security Council to formalise any final agreement.
Diplomatic efforts leading to the ceasefire involved mediation from Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad for further negotiations scheduled for April 10, aimed at reaching a long term settlement.
The temporary truce has created a narrow window for diplomacy, but analysts caution that the ceasefire remains fragile and its success will depend on whether both sides can reach a broader and lasting agreement in the coming weeks.
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