US-Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire for Negotiations

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire late Tuesday, suspending military strikes to allow negotiations aimed at resolving the escalating conflict that began in February. The deal, mediated by Pakistan and announced just hours before a U.S. deadline for potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure, requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt attacks on the U.S., Israel, and regional allies. Talks are set to begin in Islamabad on Friday, focusing on curbing Iran's nuclear program, missile capabilities, and support for proxy groups.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement Wednesday expressing support for President Donald Trump's decision, provided Iran complies with the conditions. "Israel supports President Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the U.S., Israel, and countries in the region," the statement said. It added that Israel backs U.S. efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile, or terror threat to America, Israel, its Arab neighbors, and the world. However, Netanyahu clarified that the ceasefire does...