The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, raising hopes of a temporary halt to a six-week conflict that has left thousands dead, destabilized the Middle East, and severely disrupted global energy supplies—though details remain unclear, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement late Tuesday, just two hours before a deadline he had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face what he warned would be the destruction of its “whole civilisation.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that delegations from both countries have been invited to meet in Islamabad on Friday. According to Trump, the ceasefire is contingent on Iran pausing its blockade of oil and gas shipments through the strategic waterway, which typically carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would halt counter-attacks and allow safe passage through the strait, provided that attacks against Iran cease.
The announcement triggered immediate reactions in global markets, with oil prices falling sharply and stock markets rallying amid optimism that one of the most severe disruptions to energy flows in recent history may ease.
In Iran, crowds gathered overnight in celebration, waving national flags while also expressing caution about the durability of the agreement. “Israel will not allow diplomacy to work and Trump might change his view tomorrow. But at least we can sleep tonight without strikes,” said Alireza, a 29-year-old government employee in Tehran.
The ceasefire temporarily suspends hostilities that began on February 28, when Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a military campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s regional influence, dismantling its nuclear program, and encouraging internal political change.
Trump described the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory,” asserting that U.S. military objectives had been achieved. However, analysts note that Iran retains its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its capacity to launch missile and drone attacks, raising questions about the long-term impact of the conflict.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council claimed the country had inflicted a “historic and crushing defeat” on its adversaries, signaling competing narratives over the outcome of the war.
Israel expressed support for the temporary suspension of strikes, though the agreement has drawn criticism domestically. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the ceasefire a “diplomatic disaster,” while former military deputy chief Yair Golan described the outcome as a “complete failure” that left key security threats unresolved.
Despite the truce, tensions persist across the region. Israel said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire, and military operations there will continue, according to reports by Reuters. Forces under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain engaged in strikes against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities reported ongoing airstrikes and artillery shelling in the south, including an attack near a hospital that killed four people. A senior Lebanese official said Beirut had not been informed of any inclusion in the ceasefire agreement, underscoring the limited scope of the truce.
Shipping companies remain cautious about resuming operations through the Strait of Hormuz. Danish shipping giant Maersk said it would continue to assess risks before allowing vessels to transit the area.
The ceasefire leaves core demands unresolved. U.S. officials are expected to push for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program and missile capabilities, while Tehran has previously demanded sanctions relief, compensation for damages, and guarantees against future military action.
With negotiations set to begin in Islamabad, the coming weeks are expected to test whether the fragile truce can evolve into a more lasting resolution or collapse under longstanding tensions.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
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- Venus L Peñaflor
