Trump Announces Two-Week Suspension of Strikes on Iran, Citing Pakistan Mediation and Strait of Hormuz Reopening

 

U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that the United States will suspend bombing and military attacks on Iran for two weeks, just hours before a self-imposed deadline that had threatened widespread strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “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, and 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.”

The announcement came less than two hours before an 8 p.m. EDT deadline Trump had set for Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments that Iran had reportedly restricted amid ongoing conflict. Trump described the move as part of a “double-sided ceasefire” and a potential step toward a longer-term peace deal, calling it a “big day for World Peace” in related statements.

The White House has confirmed the suspension of U.S. strikes, conditional on Iran’s compliance with reopening the strait for safe passage. Reports indicate Iran has signaled willingness to coordinate safe passage with its armed forces, and negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to begin soon in Islamabad, Pakistan.255cf5

Israel has publicly supported the U.S. decision to pause strikes for two weeks, provided Iran halts attacks on the U.S., Israel, and regional partners while reopening the strait. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement backing the truce, and a senior White House official noted that Israel has also agreed to suspend its own bombing campaign during this period.

The development follows heightened tensions in the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, including Trump’s earlier strong warnings of devastating consequences if Iran failed to meet demands. Some missile activity was reported in the region shortly after the announcement, but both sides appear to be aligning with the temporary truce for now.

Analysts view the two-week window as an opportunity for diplomacy to address broader issues, including a potential 10-point peace framework reportedly proposed by Iran. However, the fragile nature of the ceasefire remains evident, with ongoing regional dynamics and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz at the center of the deal.