Trump declares two-week ceasefire as Iran reopens key oil route

After over a month of tension that rattled global energy markets, Iran has agreed to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz under a conditional ceasefire arrangement.

The development follows a temporary peace deal brokered by Shehbaz Sharif, with backing from the United States, bringing a pause to hostilities that had threatened global oil supply chains.

Stretching approximately 167 kilometres, the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, handling about 20 per cent of global liquefied natural gas and 25 per cent of seaborne oil trade annually. Its closure had triggered sharp increases in fuel prices worldwide.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that the country would allow “safe passage” through the waterway for a period of two weeks, subject to coordination with Iranian armed forces and technical considerations.

The agreement came after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire, stepping back from planned military action and setting a deadline for Iran to reopen the strait. Trump had earlier warned of severe consequences if the blockade persisted.

Iran, however, maintained that its decision to suspend “defensive operations” was conditional on a halt to attacks from both the United States and Israel.

“If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations,” Araghchi stated.

Despite the breakthrough, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stressed that the ceasefire does not signify the end of the conflict, noting that a lasting resolution depends on the acceptance of a proposed 10-point framework currently under negotiation.

Meanwhile, Trump, in a social media post, described the agreement as a “double-sided ceasefire,” expressing optimism that it could pave the way for long-term peace in the Middle East. He credited discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Sharif and military officials, for facilitating the de-escalation.

As of press time, Israel had yet to issue an official response to the ceasefire arrangement.

Formal negotiations are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on April 10, with stakeholders aiming to finalise a comprehensive peace agreement.

The reopening of the Strait is expected to ease pressure on global energy markets, though analysts warn that the fragile truce leaves room for uncertainty.

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