There was less than an hour and a half left until Donald Trump's ultimatum expired, punctuated by harsh tones and the threat of striking strategic targets in Iran. Then, surprisingly, came a turning point. At 6:32 PM (Washington time), the US president announced the granting of a two-week extension, suspending the possibility of an attack on the country's energy infrastructure and strategic hubs. Before the turning point, Trump had dramatically raised the stakes: " An entire civilization will die , never to be revived again. I don't want it to happen, but it probably will." A warning widely described as "unacceptable" and criticized even by Pope Leo XIV.
The decision to freeze the escalation, at least temporarily, remains tied to a specific condition : Tehran must guarantee the immediate and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz . Furthermore, US President Donald Trump believes the Iranian uranium issue will be "perfectly resolved," calling the agreement a "total and complete" victory for Washington . Tehran, however, takes a different view, claiming success in the negotiations: " The enemy has suffered an undeniable, historic, and crushing defeat in its cowardly, illegal, and criminal war against the Iranian nation ," according to a statement from Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
The first round of peace talks is scheduled in Islamabad on Friday . Vice President Vance is expected to attend, along with envoys Witkoff and Kushner . Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif announced that the ceasefire is immediate and universal , "including Lebanon and elsewhere." Israel is holding back on this point, saying it "supports President Trump's decision to suspend attacks against Iran for two weeks, provided that Iran immediately opens the Straits and ceases all attacks against the United States, Israel, and the countries in the region. Israel also supports America's commitment to ensuring that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile, and terrorist threat to the United States, Israel, Iran's Arab neighbors, and the world. The United States has informed Israel of its commitment to achieving these goals, shared by the United States, Israel, and Israel's regional allies, in the upcoming negotiations. The two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon ."
Trump's decision, predictably, sparked criticism among American Democrats. "The president has threatened genocide against the Iranian people. He must be removed," said Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "Trump has backtracked, and Congress deserves no credit," said Representative Ro Kahnna. Democrat Chris Murphy is doubtful about the agreement, given that the United States and Iran appear to be discussing different terms. The president "has at least temporarily granted Iran control" of the Strait of Hormuz, which «he didn't have before the war».
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the two-week truce agreed between the United States and Iran, his spokesperson said, according to AFP, while urging all parties to work towards lasting peace in the Middle East. "The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire ," said Stéphane Dujarric, "and calls on all parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to respect their obligations under international law and abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way for lasting and comprehensive peace in the region."
First ships cross Hormuz – On Wednesday morning, a few hours after the ceasefire was announced, Marine Traffic began reporting the first crossings of the Strait of Hormuz. "The first signs of naval activity have been recorded in the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire announcement, which provides for the temporary reopening of the strategic waterway to allow negotiations to take place," Marine Traffic reported on X.
Oil prices plummet – Following the ceasefire announced by the US president, oil prices plummeted. Brent crude lost 16%, falling below $92, and WTI crude sank to $98. The Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai stock markets all opened sharply higher. Wall Street futures soared.
***News in progress***
(Unioneonline)