US Announces Two-Week Cease-Fire with Iran After Threats Over Strait of Hormuz Closure

President Donald Trump demanded that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian forces had closed during the ongoing war. ” A few days earlier, he issued an ultimatum: Iran must make a deal or face bombings by the United States and Israel targeting desalination plants, power plants, and bridges. Trump's statements escalated as the deadline neared.

On Tuesday, he posted on Truth Social: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. ” At a Monday press conference, he outlined plans for strikes that would decimate bridges and power plants in Iran. " — President Trump, Monday press conference (The Atlantic) Hours before the Tuesday night deadline, the United States announced a two-week cease-fire.

Under the agreement, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz during negotiations, and the US and Israel would halt bombing campaigns. Both sides claimed victory in the deal.

The war in Iran involves prior actions, including the destruction of Iranian ballistic-missile and drone capabilities and the navy, as well as the decapitation of leadership.

US military sources indicated plans focused on targets with military applicability, avoiding historical sites or purely civilian infrastructure. Discussions emphasized proportional strikes on dual-use facilities, such as those serving both military and civilian purposes.

Reports emerged of military reluctance to execute threats targeting civilian areas, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis.

The US military provided lists of targets limited to military uses, differing from the broader destruction outlined in Trump's statements. Negotiations are scheduled to begin in Pakistan this weekend.

to the Cease-Fire The agreement showed signs of instability shortly after announcement.

Israeli forces conducted strikes on targets in Lebanon, and Iranian state media reported the Strait of Hormuz closed again in response. These developments occurred as talks were set to proceed. Trump's rhetoric has drawn international attention, with some analysts noting its alignment with UN definitions of incitement to genocide.

The statements, issued by a world leader, are interpreted as reflecting US policy. The cease-fire provides a temporary reprieve for Iranian civilians amid the conflict.

The US military assessed that even extensive strikes might not guarantee the fall of the Iranian regime, given its survival of previous losses.

Anxiety among sources rose after Trump's Easter post threatening civilization's destruction, prompting searches for de-escalation paths. The two-week period allows for diplomatic efforts, though the deal's foundation remains uncertain.