U.S. AGREES TO 2-WEEK CEASEFIRE WITH IRAN
· Axios
The U.S. has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran proposed by Pakistan, President Trump said Tuesday night.
The big picture: The Pakistani proposal, which came hours before Trump's deadline to launch massive strikes if no deal was reached, involves a pause on Trump's threat and a commitment from Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks.
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- That two-week period would be used to negotiate a larger agreement to potentially end the war.
- Iran has not publicly confirmed its acceptance of the plan, but Trump wrote that there would be a "double sided ceasefire."
State of play: There have been discussions through mediators about potential in-person negotiations, likely to be led by Vice President Vance, though nothing has been announced.
- The announcement comes less than 12 hours after Trump threatened to wipe out Iran's entire "civilization." More specifically, he threatened bridges, power plants and potentially oil and water infrastructure.
Behind the scenes: Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran picked up momentum over the past 24 hours, as Axios reported, with Pakistan serving as the primary mediator.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and political allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) had urged Trump to reject any proposal unless Iran made major concessions.
- Members of Trump's team, including Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff, have advised him to take a deal if they could get one.
What he's saying: "Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump wrote.
- "This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East."
- "We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated."
- "On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
The latest: Financial markets reacted with instant relief to the news.
- S&P 500 futures rose more than 1%, while oil futures quickly sank about 6%.
- Markets had been weak all day on fears of an escalation, before rallying late in the day on signs a deal might be at hand.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.