The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears of a wider conflict and restoring a key global shipping route.
The deal was announced late Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, just hours before his deadline for possible military action against Iran.
Earlier, Trump warned that failure to reach an agreement could mean “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” He added he hoped “something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.”
Under the agreement, Iran will allow safe passage for oil and commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week truce. A US official confirmed that American strikes stopped shortly after the announcement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would “cease their defensive operation.” He added that “for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible” if coordinated with Iranian forces.
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He also said Iran would agree to end fighting “if attacks against Iran are halted.”
The breakthrough followed last-minute mediation by Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan has invited both sides to talks in Islamabad on Friday to push for a longer deal.
Israel backed the ceasefire, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supporting the move. However, Israel said the agreement “does not include Lebanon.”
Despite the deal, tensions remain. Missile and drone activity was reported in parts of the Gulf shortly after the announcement.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will “do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire.”
The two-week truce is expected to open the door for further talks, though key issues remain unresolved.