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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a two-week suspension of planned military strikes against Iran, reframing a previously escalating standoff as an opportunity for negotiations and a potential ceasefire.
In a statement released by the White House on X, the US president said the pause in hostilities would be contingent upon Tehran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully, immediately and safely, a key condition underpinning the temporary de-escalation.
AFP cited on Wednesday that the decision follows discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, who had urged Washington to delay military action.
Positioning the move as a reciprocal step, Trump said the pause would effectively function as a bilateral ceasefire, creating space for further engagement between Washington and Tehran.
"I have agreed to delay the bombing and attacks on Iran for a period of two weeks.
"This will be a bilateral ceasefire. The reason this action is taken is because we have already achieved and exceeded all military objectives.
"We are now at a stage that is very close to reaching a final agreement related to long-term peace with Iran, as well as peace in West Asia," he said.
Trump added that the United States had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which he believes could form the basis for structured negotiations between the two sides.
"Almost all matters that were previously disputed have been agreed between the US and Iran, but this two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalised and signed.
"On behalf of the US, as President and also representing countries in West Asia, it is an honour to see this long-standing issue nearing resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he said.
The announcement marks a notable shift from the previous day, when Trump warned of large-scale attacks targeting civilian power plants and bridges in Iran should Tehran fail to reach an agreement to end the six-week conflict. - April 8, 2026