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News Desk: In a dramatic turnaround, Donald Trump pulled back from the brink of a major military escalation, announcing a two-week ceasefire with Iran just minutes before a self-imposed deadline on Tuesday evening.

The last-minute deal halted a rapidly intensifying standoff that had rattled global markets and raised fears of a wider regional war.

From Dire Threats to De-escalation

The hours leading up to the announcement were marked by stark warnings from Trump. He had cautioned that Iran could face catastrophic consequences, even suggesting that “an entire civilisation” could be wiped out if Tehran failed to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.

However, with barely 90 minutes left before the deadline, Trump abruptly shifted course, announcing a pause in military action and signalling a willingness to negotiate.

In a social media post, he said the US had already achieved its military objectives and was “very close” to a broader peace agreement in the Middle East.

What the Ceasefire Includes

Under the temporary truce, Washington has agreed to suspend planned strikes, including attacks on Iranian infrastructure, provided Tehran ensures the safe and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

The breakthrough came after Iran submitted a 10-point proposal, which the US described as a “workable” framework for negotiations.

Key elements of Iran’s proposal reportedly include:

  • Assurances of no further US military aggression
  • Recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz
  • Acceptance of its nuclear enrichment programme
  • Removal of both primary and secondary sanctions
  • Lifting of UN and nuclear watchdog resolutions
  • Compensation for war-related damages
  • Withdrawal of US forces from the region
  • A complete halt to hostilities, including in Lebanon

While Trump claimed that “almost all” major disputes have been resolved in principle, the White House has yet to release full details, leaving significant uncertainty over how far Washington is willing to go — especially on sanctions and nuclear issues.

Talks to Be Held in Pakistan

Formal negotiations are now set to begin in Islamabad on April 10, with Shehbaz Sharif playing a mediating role in securing the temporary truce.

Iran has confirmed its participation through its Supreme National Security Council, though both sides enter talks with deep mistrust after previous negotiations collapsed into renewed conflict.

Fragile Calm Amid Continued Tensions

Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports of fresh attacks across Iran, Israel, and parts of the Gulf region early Wednesday underscored the fragility of the truce. The conflict has already stretched into its 40th day.

Major sticking points remain — particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment. While Iranian sources suggest Washington has shown flexibility, US officials maintain that enrichment should not continue.

Global Reactions: Relief with Caution

The announcement triggered a wave of cautious optimism worldwide.

In the US, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the de-escalation, criticising Trump’s earlier rhetoric but expressing relief at the diplomatic turn.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham backed the move as a strategic step, though he warned against rewarding Iran for actions that threatened global shipping routes.

Internationally, Anthony Albanese described the ceasefire as a “positive development,” while also expressing concern over the language used during the crisis.

What Lies Ahead

While the ceasefire has eased immediate fears of a full-scale war, the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain. With trust at a low point and key disagreements unresolved, the upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to be both critical and challenging.

For now, the world watches closely — hopeful that a brief pause in hostilities could pave the way for a more durable peace in one of the most volatile regions on the planet.

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