US-Iran Ceasefire Halts Strikes, Reopens Strait

The United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, suspending military strikes by both sides and temporarily reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The deal, mediated by Pakistan, averted escalation just hours before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for intensified attacks on Iran.

The truce requires the U.S. to halt strikes on Iranian targets for 14 days, while Tehran commits to allowing safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which it had restricted in retaliation for earlier U.S. and Israeli actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the arrangement, stating that Iran's armed forces would cease defensive operations if attacks on the country stop. The agreement follows nearly six weeks of conflict that began in late February, triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure and leadership, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases and Gulf states, disrupting trade routes and energy supplies.

Both nations portrayed the ceasefire as a triumph. Trump described it as a "total...