US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions

Washington D.C. | The United States and Iran have reached a dramatic agreement for a two-week ceasefire. President Donald Trump announced the decision just two hours before the deadline expired for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its civilian infrastructure.

Trump's move is being viewed as a sudden turn of events, as only on Tuesday he had warned that if his demands were not met, it would mean the 'end of an entire civilization tonight'.

The ceasefire was mediated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and talks between the two sides are scheduled to begin this coming Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan. Iranian state media, however, have described this as a 'humiliating retreat' by Trump.

According to Trump, the agreement is based on the condition that Iran removes the blockade on oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also committed that Tehran will halt retaliatory attacks and ensure safe passage through the Hormuz waterway.

Trump announced the bilateral ceasefire via his social media platform 'Truth Social', claiming that the US has achieved all its military objectives. He also stated that they are close to a definitive agreement for long-term peace with Iran.

In the six weeks of ongoing conflict, more than 5,000 people have lost their lives, including 1,600 Iranian civilians. Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire, confirming the suspension of its bombing campaign against Iran.

However, the Israeli military reported that missiles were fired from Iran toward Israel just minutes after Trump's announcement. According to Israeli media, Israel anticipates that Iranian attacks may continue until the waterway is fully opened. Trump expects a final agreement within two weeks, using the 10-point proposal presented by Iran as the basis for negotiations.

The news has had a positive impact on the global market. US stock futures have risen, while oil prices have seen a sharp decline. The price of US crude oil dropped by more than 17 percent to $92 per barrel. Previously, after Trump threatened to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants, world leaders, the United Nations, and Pope Leo had strongly condemned the rhetoric.

With the midterm elections approaching in the US, Trump's popularity has significantly declined, and American citizens are frustrated by rising fuel prices and the war.