US and Israel Launch Attacks in Iran After 40 Days

US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire

The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, effective immediately. The agreement was reached just one hour before President Donald Trump’s deadline for escalating the conflict expired.

As part of the deal, Iran has agreed to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Safe passage through the strait will be ensured for two weeks through coordination with Iran’s armed forces.

The ceasefire follows talks between US officials and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged Washington to extend its deadline for a deal and called on Iran to reopen the strait.

Under the agreement, Iran has proposed a 10-point plan for peace, which includes lifting sanctions, creating a war-loss fund, and recognizing Iran’s right to enrich uranium. The US has not confirmed whether it has agreed to any of these proposals.

The Israeli military acknowledged that an overnight strike in Tehran caused “collateral damage” to a synagogue, expressing regret over the incident.

Talks on the ceasefire are set to begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with mediation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The US, Iran, and Israel have agreed to participate in the negotiations.

Regional reactions to the ceasefire have been mixed, with some citizens celebrating and others expressing skepticism about the US and Israel’s intentions. Analysts warn that the next two weeks will be crucial in determining whether meaningful talks can take place.

The White House has confirmed that China played a role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table, according to President Trump. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to meet with President Trump on Wednesday to discuss the Iran situation and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

A fragile diplomatic window has been created, with potential for meaningful talks but also risks of tensions flaring again if negotiations fail.

Source: Al Jazeera