Middle East – Early Wednesday today Philippines time, the deadline set by United States President Donald Trump for Iran amid tension in the Middle East supposedly appeared to be nearing a critical point.
One of Washington’s key demands was for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning annihilation of civilization if Iran failed to comply.
Yet before the deadline expired, reports of fresh attacks across the region had already raised fears that the military operation was about to begin.
But in a sudden and unexpected turn, the escalating conflict shifted toward an important dialogue.
Just hours before the deadline, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he had agreed to a ceasefire, pausing planned US strikes against Iran for two weeks.
The US president said the decision came after an appeal from the Prime Minister and Field Marshal of Pakistan, whose country has been acting as a mediator between the two sides.
Trump added that Pakistan conveyed Iran’s willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, along with a proposed 10-point framework that he described as a more reasonable basis for negotiations.
For the first time, Trump’s announcement appeared to be not one-sided as Iran also signaled openness to the ceasefire.
In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to observe a truce, provided attacks against the country stop.
He also indicated that Iran is ready to allow the passage of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, as he expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating the dialogue.
On the mediator’s side, Pakistan proudly announced the development.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran, the United States, and their allies had agreed to an immediate ceasefire, effective today.
He noted that the agreement is aimed at easing tensions across the region, including Lebanon, where tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah were the main focal point.
Meanwhile on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed support for the two-week ceasefire, backing the US decision to suspend strikes on Iran.
However, it was clarified that the ceasefire does not cover Lebanon.
As a next step, Pakistan has invited all parties to Islamabad on April 10 for further talks aimed at reaching a more lasting resolution.