The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, coming just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences.
Ceasefire broken before 2 weeks?
While the agreement signals a pause, the situation on the ground remains tense and layered with mixed signals.
Image credits: AFP via Getty Images (NBC)
- Israel said it has halted attacks on Iran, but will continue military operations in Lebanon, contradicting earlier statements from mediator Pakistan.
- Gulf countries including Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait reported fresh attacks, with explosions also heard near oil-related sites in Iran.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the joint US-Israeli campaign as a major success, claiming the war achieved “every single objective” within 40 days while using only a fraction of US military power.
- He said Iran’s military capabilities were severely weakened
- Claimed Iran’s navy is “at the bottom of the sea”
- Said its air defence systems are no longer operational
- Described its missile programme as “functionally destroyed”
- Added that Iran had pushed for the ceasefire following the operation
Image credits: AFP via Getty Images (NBC)
Global leaders urging for de-escalation
On the diplomatic front, global leaders are urging de-escalation.
- European leaders and Canada have called for a fast, negotiated settlement
- They also urged all sides to fully comply with the ceasefire, including in Lebanon
Trump described the ceasefire as a “big day for world peace” and said the US would help manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Iran has stated that vessels may pass through, but must coordinate with its military.
There are early signs the strait could reopen soon:
- Iranian officials indicated it may reopen as early as Thursday or Friday
- The move would be coordinated with Iran’s armed forces
- The closure had heavily disrupted global oil and gas markets
Markets reacted quickly to the ceasefire news:
- Oil prices dropped
- Stock markets surged
Uncertainty remains, despite ceasefire
Despite the optimism, uncertainty remains over how stable the agreement will be and whether longer-term damage can be avoided.
Looking ahead, Trump said Iran’s 10-point peace proposal is a “workable basis” for further negotiations, with talks expected to begin in Pakistan.
The human cost of the conflict continues to climb:
- More than 3,400 people have been killed across the region
- Over 1,500 deaths were reported in Lebanon
- 23 people have been killed in Israel
- Iran has not released official figures, but estimates suggest nearly 3,400 deaths, including over 1,600 civilians
- 13 US service members have been killed, along with two additional non-combat deaths
While the ceasefire offers a temporary breather, the road ahead remains fragile and uncertain.
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