U.S. and Iran Reach Two-Week Ceasefire on Strait of Hormuz

On day 40 of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the U.S. and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, hours before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for potential escalation. The deal, mediated in part by Pakistani officials, requires Iran to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies pass daily, under coordination with its armed forces. The waterway, located between Iran and Oman, has been disrupted since Iran began targeting vessels in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes that initiated the war on February 28.

The agreement came after Trump issued a stark warning on social media, stating that Iran faced devastating consequences if it did not comply by 8 p.m. ET. White House officials announced the truce shortly before the deadline expired, with the U.S. pausing attacks on Iranian infrastructure in exchange for the strait's access. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed safe passage for ships during the period, noting that Iran and Oman may impose transit fees on vessels to fund postwar reconstruction. The ceasefire includes Israel's participation...