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US and Israel Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire with Iran Amid Threats and Negotiations
The United States and Israel have agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran following President Donald Trump's threats to destroy Iran's civilization unless the Strait of Hormuz is opened. Iran confirmed participation in negotiations to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The agreement follows US strikes on Kharg Island and has elicited mixed reactions from US lawmakers and international leaders.
Mar 25, 1:38 PM·2m read50 sources
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The United States and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump threatened to eradicate Iran's entire civilization if the country did not open the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire suspends planned attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
Negotiations involving the US and Iran are set to occur in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirming Tehran's participation.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared victory in the conflict on Wednesday. The war began more than five weeks ago with coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Pakistan is mediating the talks at the request of both sides.
to the ceasefire, Trump stated on Tuesday that he was in heated negotiations with Iran and requested a two-week extension of his deadline for Tehran to comply.
US forces conducted more than 90 strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, early Tuesday but avoided targeting oil infrastructure directly. Bloomberg reported that these strikes occurred as Trump threatened a new bombing campaign. Trump's rhetoric included warnings that a whole civilization would die if Iran did not yield.
Pope Leo XIV described the threat as unacceptable and a violation of international law regarding civilian infrastructure. The comments drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who called them extreme and urged Trump's removal from office.
“President Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization was truly unacceptable.”
than three dozen Democratic members of Congress condemned Trump's statements while on recess, with few Republicans issuing public rebukes. Republican leaders remained mostly silent in the hours following the threat. World leaders expressed relief at the ceasefire but highlighted ongoing uncertainties in dealing with US policy.
