US-Iran Ceasefire: Two-Week Agreement Eases Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has pulled back from launching strikes on Iran, agreeing to a two-week ceasefire. This comes just hours before his own deadline for a deal with Tehran. The ceasefire includes the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirms it will negotiate with the U.S. in Islamabad starting Friday. Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire, halting fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Interestingly, Iran’s ceasefire plan mentions “acceptance of enrichment” for its nuclear program, but that phrase is missing in English translations. Trump originally described Iran’s proposal as “workable,” but later called it fraudulent. He has consistently backed off from deadlines, citing discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as influential in this decision. The ceasefire allows Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran planning to use those funds for reconstruction. The bottom line is that this ceasefire could ease tensions in a region critical to global oil supply and trade.