Iran on Wednesday announced it would guarantee safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement with the United States aimed at paving the way for peace talks in Islamabad starting Friday.
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The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Tehran, just hours before a deadline he had set for Iran to reopen the critical oil transit route or face major military strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said safe passage would be coordinated with Iran’s armed forces, while the country’s Supreme National Security Council noted that the ceasefire period could be extended by mutual agreement.
Trump described the arrangement as a “double-sided ceasefire,” claiming that significant progress had been made toward a broader agreement for long-term peace in the Middle East. He added that the deal was contingent on Iran ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas shipments through the strait, which carries nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies.
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the crisis, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirming that both sides had agreed to immediate de-escalation measures. He invited delegations from Iran and the United States to Islamabad for what are being termed the “Islamabad Talks,” aimed at securing a lasting settlement.
According to US officials, Israel has also agreed to observe the temporary ceasefire and suspend its military operations against Iran. However, tensions remained high, as Israeli authorities reported missile launches from Iran shortly after the announcement.
The breakthrough follows weeks of escalating conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of a broader regional war. The temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to ease pressure on oil supplies and provide a critical window for diplomacy.
