US and Iran Agree to Ceasefire in Middle East Conflict

US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire

The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with talks set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan on Friday. The truce was announced by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

As part of the agreement, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor that accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Several countries have welcomed the development, including Israel and Iraq.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for Trump’s decision to suspend strikes on Iran, stating that it aims to ensure Iran does not pose a nuclear, missile, or terror threat to America, Israel, Iran’s Arab neighbors, and the world. However, Netanyahu noted that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, where Israeli forces have launched a ground invasion.

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the news, emphasizing the need for both the US and Iran to commit fully to the deal in order to achieve a lasting resolution. The ministry also stressed the importance of stopping military operations and respecting international navigation.

Other countries, including Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, and Pakistan, have also expressed support for the ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement, calling on all parties to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting peace in the region.

The talks between the US and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad on Friday, with Japan expressing its hope that a final agreement will be reached. The ceasefire marks a significant development in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and restore stability to the region.

Source: Al Jazeera