By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
United States President, Donald Trump, has announced a temporary suspension of planned military action against Iran, declaring a two-week ceasefire aimed at paving the way for negotiations toward a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Trump disclosed this in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, explaining that the decision followed high-level discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.
Prior to the announcement, Trump had issued a stern warning to Iran, suggesting that an entire civilisation could be wiped out if the country failed to meet his demands. In an earlier post, he wrote, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”
He also hinted at sweeping political change in Iran, referring to the possibility of “complete and total regime change,” while adding that such a development could lead to a different future.
However, in a later update on Tuesday, Trump said the Pakistani leaders urged the United States to halt what he described as a “destructive force” that had been scheduled for deployment against Iran.
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” he stated.
According to Trump, the ceasefire is conditional and depends on reciprocal action by Iran, particularly the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
“This will be a double-sided ceasefire, subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
Trump further claimed that the United States had already achieved its core military objectives and that both sides were close to reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.
“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East,” he said.
He also revealed that Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal, which Washington considers a workable basis for negotiations.
“We received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran,” Trump noted.
Expressing optimism, the president said the two-week window would allow both parties to finalise and formalise a lasting agreement.
“A two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalised and consummated,” he added, describing the development as a significant step toward easing long-standing tensions in the region.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have persisted for decades, often centred on disputes over nuclear development, regional influence, and maritime security.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important oil transit routes, with a significant portion of global crude oil supply passing through it. Any disruption in the channel has far-reaching implications for international trade and energy markets.
Pakistan, which maintains diplomatic ties with both the United States and Iran, has occasionally played intermediary roles in regional conflicts. Analysts say its involvement in the latest development highlights growing international efforts to prevent escalation and stabilise the Middle East.
