US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire to Facilitate Negotiations

By Anthony Zurcher

North America correspondent

*Kevin Lamarque / Reuters*

*10 hours ago*

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday evening that the United States and Iran had reached agreement on a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations toward a broader peace settlement.

At 18:32 Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the two sides were "very far along" in discussions on a "definitive" agreement. The ceasefire, he stated, would suspend hostilities and enable talks over the next two weeks.

The announcement came shortly before Trump's self-imposed 20:00 EDT (00:00 GMT on Wednesday) deadline, after which he had warned of potential U.S. strikes on Iranian energy and transportation infrastructure if no deal was reached.

The agreement is contingent on Iran suspending its military actions and fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Iranian officials stated they would comply, while maintaining that the country retains authority over the waterway.

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on targets in Iran. Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments, prompting U.S. ultimatums and escalating tensions.

Trump's announcement provided a pause in hostilities that had placed the U.S. in a position to either proceed with threatened military action or seek a diplomatic off-ramp. Over the following two weeks, U.S. and Iranian negotiators are expected to address outstanding issues.

Markets reacted positively to the news. In after-hours trading, the price of a barrel of oil fell below $100 for the first time in several days, and U.S. stock futures rose sharply, reflecting investor relief over reduced risks to energy supplies.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had issued a statement warning of severe consequences if Iran did not comply with U.S. demands, including threats related to potential strikes. This followed a similar message two days prior. The White House has indicated that such statements contributed to Iran's agreement.

The U.S. conflict with Iran has drawn varied responses from U.S. politicians. Democrats criticized Trump's approach. Congressman Joaquin Castro wrote on X that "it is clear that the president has continued to decline and is not fit to lead." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Republicans not voting to end the conflict would "own every consequence."

Within the Republican Party, reactions were mixed. While many lawmakers expressed support for the president, others voiced reservations about the escalation. The White House countered critics by noting that the ceasefire demonstrated the effectiveness of U.S. pressure.

Trump, facing challenges including declining approval ratings and economic pressures from elevated energy prices, described the outcome in positive terms. In his Truth Social post, he said the U.S. had "met and exceeded" its military objectives.

U.S. strikes have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities. Several top Iranian leaders have been killed, though the government remains in power.

Some U.S. objectives remain unresolved. The status of Iran's enriched uranium stocks, central to its nuclear program, is unclear. Iran continues to exert influence over regional groups, including the Houthis in Yemen. Even with the Hormuz reopening, Iran's strategic position at the strait persists.

Following Trump's announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a statement confirming Iran would halt "defensive operations" and permit safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz "via coordination with Iran's armed forces." He said the U.S. had accepted the "general framework" of Iran's 10-point plan.

That plan calls for U.S. withdrawal of forces from the region, lifting of economic sanctions, compensation for damages, and recognition of Iran's control over the strait. Details of any U.S. commitments remain to be negotiated.

The ceasefire marks a step toward de-escalation after weeks of intense military exchanges. It follows U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28 targeting Iranian facilities, Iran's subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing U.S. operations that have weakened Tehran's military posture.

Oil markets had surged above $100 per barrel amid fears of prolonged disruption at Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil trade. The ceasefire news reversed those gains, signaling market confidence in restored flows.

Trump's military campaign achieved targeted degradation of Iran's command structure and infrastructure. Reports indicate precision strikes eliminated key personnel, disrupting operations without broader civilian impacts reported at scale.

Negotiations now focus on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, regional proxies, and maritime security. Iran's 10-point proposal represents its position, while U.S. officials have prioritized verifiable limits on nuclear activities and proxy activities.

The two-week window offers time to build on the pause. Past U.S.-Iran talks, such as those leading to the 2015 nuclear deal, faced similar hurdles but progressed through phased agreements.

Domestically, the conflict has influenced U.S. politics. Higher energy costs contributed to economic strain, with inflation ticking up and consumer confidence dipping in recent polls. Trump's approval on foreign policy had softened amid the war, though supporters credit his approach with forcing Iran's hand.

Internationally, the U.S. strikes and Iran's responses have reshaped regional dynamics. Allies like Israel endorsed the initial operations, citing Iranian threats. Gulf states, reliant on Hormuz, welcomed the reopening.

The United Nations Security Council discussed the conflict last week, with calls for restraint from China and Russia, while European nations urged dialogue.

As talks proceed, verification mechanisms will be key. U.S. officials plan satellite monitoring of Hormuz traffic and IAEA inspections for nuclear sites.

Trump's announcement emphasized optimism: "Peace through strength is working." Iranian state media echoed the halt to "defensive actions," framing it as a response to aggression.

Challenges persist. Iran's proxies remain active, with Houthi attacks on shipping noted as recently as last week. Enriched uranium stockpiles, estimated at levels near weapons-grade by U.S. intelligence, require accounting.

The Strait of Hormuz agreement specifies coordination, potentially involving tolls or inspections, details to be clarified.

For now, the ceasefire holds, averting immediate escalation. Markets stabilized, with Brent crude settling at $98.50 late Tuesday.

Follow live updates on the U.S.-Iran negotiations [here](link-to-live).

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