A tentative breakthrough has emerged in the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, as Tehran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire announcement by the United State President Donald Trump.
The development comes after more than a month of heightened tensions that disrupted global energy markets and drove up fuel prices worldwide.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor bordered by Iran, is responsible for nearly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas shipments and about 25 percent of seaborne oil trade, making it one of the most strategically important energy routes in the world.
Under the terms of the temporary agreement, Iran will allow safe passage through the waterway for an initial period of two weeks, subject to strict coordination with its armed forces and within defined technical limits.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragchi, said the reopening is conditional.
“The reopening of the Strait depends on a complete halt to attacks from the United States and Israel, Iran will only move toward a full cessation of hostilities if its conditions are met,” Aragchi stated.
The breakthrough followed mediation efforts led by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who helped broker the temporary peace arrangement between the parties.
According to officials, the agreement includes a two-week suspension of U.S. military action.
Confirming the development, Trump said, “We have agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow for negotiations and to prevent further escalation. This is a step toward achieving long-term peace.”
He had earlier issued a firm warning to Iran to reopen the strategic waterway, cautioning that failure to comply would result in “severe consequences.”
Despite the ceasefire, Iran signaled that the conflict is far from over. The country’s Supreme National Security Council emphasized that the current arrangement is only temporary.
“This ceasefire does not mean the end of the war. Final agreements are still under discussion,” the council said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Israel has yet to issue an official response to the deal, raising uncertainty about the durability of the ceasefire.
Formal negotiations are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on April 10, offering cautious optimism that a more lasting resolution could be reached.
Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire holds and whether both sides are willing to make concessions to avoid a broader regional conflict.