US-Iran Ceasefire Takes Effect After 40-Day Conflict

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect early Wednesday in Tehran and other parts of the region, halting 40 days of escalating military conflict just hours before a midnight deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. Brokered by Pakistan, the truce came after intense diplomatic efforts and promises from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage under its military coordination, providing a temporary pause amid widespread celebrations in Iran's capital.

The agreement followed a war that began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including military sites, nuclear facilities, and infrastructure. Trump had warned that failure to reach a deal would lead to devastating attacks, but he suspended operations based on discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Gen. Asim Munir. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump described the move as a "double-sided ceasefire" and said the U.S. had exceeded its military objectives, with Iran's 10-point proposal serving as a "workable basis" for negotiations. He added that "almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to," though...