Final Hours Before Truce Marked by Tense Negotiations and Strict Rules

US and Iran Reach Two-Week Ceasefire Amid Tense Diplomatic Efforts

In the final hours leading up to a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, diplomatic efforts reached a fever pitch. US President Donald Trump issued warnings that he would take “devastating” strikes on Iranian infrastructure if his deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz was not met by Tuesday evening.

Trump’s threats included language deemed genocidal, which sparked international condemnation from world leaders. Global markets also suffered as a result of the escalating tensions. Israel agreed to halt its attacks on Lebanon, but did not include it in the ceasefire deal.

Last-minute diplomacy mediated by Pakistan culminated in a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran just hours before Trump’s self-imposed deadline. The truce was announced after both sides agreed to stop all attacks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Talks in Islamabad, Pakistan are set to resume on Friday to negotiate a permanent settlement. On Wednesday, Trump suggested that the ceasefire could usher in a “Golden Age for the Middle East”.

Earlier in the day, Trump warned that Washington would unleash strikes on Iranian bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure. Iran’s Mehr news agency confirmed reports of an attack on Kharg Island, where Iran’s main oil exporting facilities are based, but stated that there was no damage to infrastructure.

The United Nations Security Council also weighed in on the situation, with China and Russia vetoing a Bahraini resolution encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Eleven countries voted in favor of the resolution, while two abstained and two voted against it.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reported successfully intercepting a missile attack targeting the country, and the United Arab Emirates also reported a barrage of missile and drone attacks on its territory.

Source: Al Jazeera