Shortly before the deadline for opening the Strait of Hormuz, after which Trump had threatened to destroy "a civilization", the US president announced that a truce had been reached with Iran. It will be valid for 14 days.
Israel will not stop operations in Lebanon
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who took on the role of mediator, announced that the US would stop strikes on Iran, and in return, the Islamic Republic would allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz and would stop attacking military, civilian and energy infrastructure in neighboring countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the country would end its "defensive operations."
Sharif said Israel would also stop shelling Iran and Lebanon. Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has confirmed that it will halt operations against Iran during this period, but not against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Iran declares victory
Iran agreed to the terms after Donald Trump threatened massive attacks on civilian infrastructure in the country. Tehran's decision comes after intensive diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and a last-minute intervention by China, a key ally, according to media reports.
Iran's National Security Council officially ratified the agreement, presenting it as a victory in which the United States accepted Iran's terms. However, the authorities in the Islamic Republic stressed that the ceasefire does not mean the end of the war.
Oil prices fell
Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif invited delegations from Iran and the United States to talks on Friday in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, where representatives from both sides are expected to negotiate a final agreement to resolve the conflict. According to Sharif, the two sides have shown "remarkable wisdom and understanding" and can work constructively for peace and stability. Although observers say there are many differences between Washington and Tehran, including on the future of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, Trump is clearly ready to work with the regime he has repeatedly said he wants to overthrow.
Trump confirmed that he had received a 10-point proposal from Iran that could serve as a basis for negotiations. Global fuel prices reacted immediately, with oil falling below $100 a barrel for the first time in days.