Washington/Tehran: Just hours before a looming military deadline, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, framing it as a crucial window to push forward peace talks and avoid further escalation.

Leading the announcement with his own reasoning, Trump said the pause came after direct appeals from Pakistan’s leadership and ongoing diplomatic signals from Tehran.

“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,” Trump said.

The temporary halt in military action comes with a major condition, Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

“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 said.

Calling it a “double sided CEASEFIRE,” Trump suggested that both sides are stepping back simultaneously, at least for now.

Trump made it clear that the decision wasn’t a retreat, but rather a strategic pause after what he described as military success.

“We have already met and exceeded all Military objectives,” he said, adding that negotiations are now “very far along” toward a long-term agreement.

He also revealed that the US has received a “10 point proposal from Iran”, which he believes could form the basis of a broader peace deal.

“Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated,” Trump noted.

The ceasefire marks a dramatic shift from the sharp rhetoric seen just hours earlier.

Trump had set a hard deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of massive destruction if it failed to comply. At one point, he wrote, “A whole civilization will die tonight… I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

The statement had sparked global concern, especially as US and Israeli strikes had already targeted key infrastructure in Iran, including railways and bridges.

Meanwhile, Israel confirmed its operations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the targets were linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

With the ceasefire now in place, Iran has agreed to begin talks with the US, starting in Pakistan, signalling a possible diplomatic path forward after weeks of escalating conflict.