SRMED
Englishعربي
Englishعربي
Iran and the United States have reached a two-week conditional ceasefire that allows shipping traffic to resume through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant de-escalation after weeks of military tensions in the region.[1][2] The agreement, brokered by Pakistan following intense overnight negotiations, came after President Trump threatened to target Iranian energy infrastructure and transport if the strait remained closed.[2]
The first signs of resumed maritime activity appeared immediately following the ceasefire announcement, with ships beginning to transit the waterway that normally handles approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply.[1][4] Pakistan's military leadership, including army commander General Asim Munir, facilitated the negotiations between U.S. officials including Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Wittkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.[2] Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed that Tehran would allow safe passage through the strait for the two-week period.[4]
However, the resumption of maritime activity comes with significant caveats. The Danish shipping company Maersk noted that while the ceasefire may enable ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, it does not guarantee complete maritime security protections.[1] Analysts have characterized the arrangement as a tactical pause rather than a comprehensive resolution, with the ultimate success dependent on Iran's compliance during the two-week window.[3] According to observers, the agreement represents an attempt to reset regional power dynamics while the United States maintains close intelligence monitoring of military supplies potentially reaching Iran.[3]
The ceasefire follows more than a month of escalating hostilities, during which the United States and Israel conducted coordinated attacks on Iran.[1] Iran had initially proposed a ten-point response framework that included ending regional conflicts, establishing a safe passage protocol through the strait, lifting sanctions, and reconstruction assistance.[2] The agreement is set to be followed by comprehensive negotiations within 15 to 20 days, should both sides remain committed to the process.[2]