The United States says it has already achieved its main military objectives and is now ready to give diplomacy a chance. President Donald Trump announced a two-week pause in attacks on Iran’s energy facilities. He described it as a “two-sided ceasefire,”, meaning both sides must follow certain conditions. One key demand is that Iran must quickly and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
Trump said Iran recently had delivered a 10-point proposal through Pakistan. He described it as a workable starting point for negotiations but stressed that it still falls short of US expectations. He cautioned that if the two-week period does not yield a final agreement, the United States may initiate new and powerful large-scale airstrikes.
Iran, however, sees the situation very differently. Officials in Tehran say the pause in attacks shows that Washington has failed to meet its goals. They claim it is a major victory for Iran and argue that the US has effectively accepted their plan as the basis for future negotiations.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed that formal talks with the US will begin on April 10 in Islamabad. Both sides are expected to use the two-week window to try to reach a broader agreement, with the option to extend the deadline if needed.
Iran’s proposal includes several major demands. These include guarantees that the US will not attack Iran, recognition of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, and permission to continue its nuclear programme. Iran is also asking for all sanctions to be lifted, international restrictions to be removed, financial compensation for damages, and the withdrawal of US forces from the region. The plan also calls for an end to ongoing conflicts involving Iran’s regional allies.
According to the latest updates, Israel has expressed support for the US decision to pause strikes and its broader goal of addressing threats linked to Iran. However, it clarified that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon. Meanwhile, an Iran-aligned group in Iraq said it would halt its operations for the same two-week period, and US defence officials are expected to provide further updates at a scheduled briefing. The situation remains uncertain as both sides prepare for negotiations that could determine the next phase of the conflict.
