WASHINGTON-(MaraviPost)-US President Donald Trump has announced a two-week suspension of bombing and attacks on Iran, just hours before his self-imposed deadline was set to expire.
The move comes after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to Trump to extend the deadline, allowing diplomacy to run its course.
Trump’s decision is conditional on Iran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
The US President had threatened to “decimate” Iran if the strait wasn’t reopened, warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if a deal wasn’t reached.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism, with the international community breathing a sigh of relief.
The United Nations has welcomed the development, urging all parties to seize the opportunity for peace.
“There is no military objective that justifies the wholesale destruction of a society’s infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of suffering on civilian populations,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman said.
Iran has responded positively to the proposal, with a senior official saying the country is reviewing Pakistan’s request for a two-week ceasefire.
The Iranian government has also called on young people to form human chains around critical infrastructure, including power plants, to protect against potential US strikes.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in heated negotiations.
Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that a deal can be reached, saying the US has “largely accomplished” its military objectives and is seeking a peaceful resolution.
As the world waits to see if the ceasefire holds, one thing is clear: the next two weeks will be crucial in determining the future of US-Iran relations and the stability of the Middle East.