Tehran reopens Strait of Hormuz for 14 days under fragile truce deal

Iran has agreed to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz for two weeks and suspend what it described as “defensive operations,” in a conditional ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and Israel.

The announcement was made Tuesday night by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who said safe maritime passage through the vital oil transit route would resume under coordinated oversight.

“For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” Araghchi stated.

He added that Iran’s armed forces would halt defensive operations on the condition that attacks by the US and Israel cease. “If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations,” he said.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council clarified that the temporary ceasefire does not signal a formal end to hostilities. In a statement, the council stressed that a lasting peace would depend on Washington’s acceptance of a 10-point proposal put forward by Tehran.

“It is emphasised that this does not mean the end of the war, and Iran will only accept the end of the war when, in addition to accepting the principles outlined in the 10-point plan, the details are finalised in negotiations,” the council said.

According to Iranian authorities, formal negotiations with the US are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, positioning Pakistan as a key mediator in the crisis.

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the temporary suspension of US military operations against Iran.

He revealed that the decision followed discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir.

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“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir… and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump wrote.

According to NBC News, US military directives have already been issued to suspend offensive operations, signaling that the ceasefire is expected to take effect immediately. Israel has also reportedly agreed to the temporary truce.

Reacting to the development, Sharif said both sides had demonstrated “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and expressed optimism about the forthcoming “Islamabad Talks.”

“We earnestly hope that the Islamabad Talks succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days,” he said.

Central to Tehran’s demands is a US guarantee against future military action, as well as recognition of Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway through which a significant percentage of global oil shipments pass daily.

Regional security analysts say the reopening of the Strait, even temporarily, is critical to stabilising global energy markets.

Dr. Farid Al-Khatib, a Middle East geopolitical analyst based in Doha, described the agreement as “a tactical de-escalation rather than a strategic peace.”

“The Strait of Hormuz is a choke point for global energy supplies. Any disruption sends shockwaves through oil markets. This two-week reopening buys time, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved,” he said.

Energy economist Laura McBride noted that the announcement could immediately calm crude oil prices. “Markets respond quickly to reduced risk in the Gulf. However, investors will be cautious because this is a conditional ceasefire tied to negotiations that could easily break down,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Professor Daniel Harrow of the International Security Institute said Pakistan’s mediation role reflects shifting diplomatic alignments. “Islamabad stepping in as a primary mediator signals an attempt to prevent broader regional destabilisation. But the success of these talks will hinge on how flexible Washington and Tehran are on sanctions and nuclear policy,” he added.

While the two-week truce offers a brief pause in hostilities, officials on all sides acknowledge that the path to a permanent settlement remains uncertain.

With negotiations set to begin in Islamabad and global markets closely watching developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the coming days are expected to test whether the ceasefire can evolve into a sustainable diplomatic breakthrough — or simply delay another escalation in an already volatile region.