Trump pauses strikes for two weeks as Iran agrees to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, said his country also agreed to “suspend defensive operations” on the premise that attacks by the United States and Israel would be halted.
“For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” Araghchi said on Tuesday night.
“If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations. Iran’s supreme national security council said the end of the war will depend on the US accepting the demands outlined in its 10-point plan.
“It is emphasised that this (ceasefire agreement) does not mean the end of the war, and Iran will only accept the end of the war when, in addition to accepting the principles outlined in the 10-point plan, the details are finalised in negotiations,” the security council said.
According to the security council, negotiations with the US will be held in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. The US president said he held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prior to the conditional agreement for a ceasefire.
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” Trump wrote.
