Iran and US to Start Peace Talks in Islamabad Following Two-Week Ceasefire
Iran and the U.S. have agreed to a 14-day ceasefire and will begin negotiations in Islamabad this Friday following a global energy crisis.
Diplomatic Breakthrough: US and Iran Agree to 14-Day Truce to Solve Crisis
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON, In a dramatic shift after weeks of escalating conflict, Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with high-level negotiations set to commence this Friday, April 10, in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, follows a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed he is suspending military strikes against Iran for a period of 14 days. The truce is conditioned upon Tehran ensuring the "complete, immediate and safe opening" of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery that has been under a partial blockade since February 28.
The Islamabad Summit
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a key mediator, confirmed that both nations have accepted an invitation to the Pakistani capital. Sharif noted that the ceasefire is "effective immediately" and extends to regional theaters of conflict, including Lebanon.
"The two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalized and consummated," President Trump stated via social media, describing a 10-point proposal submitted by Tehran as a "workable basis" for a permanent resolution.
President Donald Trump, who confirmed he is suspending military strikes against Iran for a period of 14 days.
Tehran’s 10-Point Framework
While agreeing to the pause, the Iranian National Security Council expressed "complete distrust" of Washington. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iranian forces would cease defensive operations provided U.S. attacks do not resume.
Central to the upcoming talks is Iran’s 10-point proposal, which includes several ambitious demands:
- Regional Oversight: Iranian dominance and oversight of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Military Withdrawal: The exit of all U.S. combat forces from Middle Eastern bases.
- Sanctions Relief: The lifting of all U.S., UN Security Council, and IAEA sanctions.
- Economic Compensation: Full reparation for war damages and the release of frozen assets.
- Diplomatic Security: Any final deal must be ratified through a binding UN Security Council resolution.
Global Implications
The conflict, which began following U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February, had significantly disrupted global trade. With a fifth of the world’s oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the partial blockade sent fuel prices skyrocketing and triggered energy shortages worldwide.
The violence also expanded to include regional actors, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen launching retaliatory strikes against Israel.
Despite the optimistic tone from the Pakistani mediators, the Iranian National Security Council warned it remains ready to respond with "full force" should the U.S. make "the slightest mistake." As of Wednesday evening, the Israeli government has offered no official comment on the ceasefire agreement.
