(Image source from: AP)
US President Donald Trump announced a two-week halt to fighting just hours prior to his deadline for Iran to surrender, cautioning that otherwise, "a whole civilization will die tonight. " Reports indicate that this decision came after a last-minute diplomatic effort from Pakistan. Iran also consented to the truce, stating that it would ensure safe passage for ships in the crucial Strait of Hormuz for two weeks. "It is important to note that this does not mean the war is over," the statement emphasized. "We are still ready to respond, and if the enemy makes even the smallest mistake, we will react with full strength," declared Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed Trump’s choice to pause attacks on Iran for two weeks, conditional on Iran immediately reopening the straits and halting all assaults on the US, Israel, and neighboring nations.
"Israel is also in favor of the US effort to make sure that Iran no longer presents a threat in terms of nuclear weapons, missile capabilities, or terrorism to America, Israel, Iran's Arab neighbors, and the world," a note from the Prime Minister's office stated. "The United States has informed Israel of its dedication to reaching these objectives, which are shared by the US, Israel, and Israel’s regional partners, in future talks. The two-week ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon,” it added.
Since the conflict started in the Middle East on February 28, Donald Trump has continuously warned Iran, announcing extensions of deadlines and claims that negotiations were progressing well. He initially warned Tehran on March 21 that the Strait of Hormuz must be fully reopened within 48 hours. "If Iran does not FULLY OPEN the Strait of Hormuz, without any threats, within 48 HOURS from this moment, the United States will target and destroy their various POWER PLANTS, beginning with the largest one," he posted on Truth Social. However, just 12 hours before the deadline, Trump stated that the US and Iran had engaged in "very good and productive" discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, which began on February 28 with deadly US and Israeli attacks on Tehran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the two-week truce in the Iran war on Tuesday, calling it a "victory" for the United States.
"From the start of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump estimated this would take 4-6 weeks. Due to the extraordinary capabilities of our military, we have achieved and surpassed our key military goals in 38 days," Leavitt wrote on X. With the Strait of Hormuz now reopening for the US, Leavitt credited Trump for this achievement, stating, "Never underestimate President Trump’s ability to effectively promote America’s interests and secure peace".
