U.S. and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire and Peace Negotiations

The United States and Iran have entered into a two-week ceasefire agreement after President Donald Trump accepted a 10-point peace proposal submitted by Tehran. The diplomatic breakthrough, announced late Tuesday, averts threatened U.S. strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure in exchange for sanctions relief and the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the region. The deal was brokered through Pakistan-mediated talks, with President Trump specifically crediting Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Army Chief for facilitating the diplomatic off-ramp. Under the terms of the agreement, Iran will maintain military oversight of the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the 14-day period. Formal negotiations are scheduled to begin this Friday in Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the strait would reopen, though specific details regarding full maritime access remain to be finalized. U.S. Central Command, which has overseen over 13,000 strikes under Operation Epic Fury, reported no new kinetic activity following the announcement. The ceasefire has triggered an immediate impact on global energy markets. Crude oil prices fell sharply on news of the de-escalation, raising expectations that U.S. gasoline prices—currently averaging $4.14 per gallon—could drop below $4.00 within the week. Despite the diplomatic progress, tensions remain high; an IRGC general cautioned that Iran could resume strategy to deprive the U.S. and its allies of oil and gas should military threats resume.