The US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire contingent on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump announced he would suspend bombing plans against Iran during the truce. This news spurred a surge in the Australian stock market and a drop in oil prices.
US President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan mediated the talks, and the agreement also includes a halt to Israel's operations in Lebanon. While this ceasefire signals a de-escalation in the Middle East, military tensions remain high.
US President Trump warned that any country supplying military weapons to Iran will face a 50% tariff on all exports to the US. He claimed Iran agreed to halt its uranium enrichment program while negotiations continue. Furthermore, he agreed to suspend military strikes on Iran for two weeks, contingent on Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and pursuing a broader peace deal.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed a decisive military victory over Iran, stating that Tehran's missile program has been functionally destroyed. He asserted that 800 strikes destroyed Iran's industrial base, preventing further missile or UAV production. The US stated it will monitor Iran's enriched uranium stockpile during the two-week ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu backed the US-proposed two-week pause on strikes against Iran. However, he stated that the deal does not cover fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This suggests that despite efforts to de-escalate in the Middle East, military risks remain in specific areas.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the US achieved a decisive military victory over Iran, leading Tehran to beg for a ceasefire. He asserted that US strikes had rendered Iran's military combat ineffective for years. While ceasefire talks are ongoing, the US stated it would continue 'negotiating with bombs' until Iran meets demands like reopening the Strait of Hormuz and abandoning nuclear ambitions.
Hezbollah has paused attacks on Israel as a US-Iran brokered ceasefire begins, but Israel continues military operations in Lebanon. Israel maintains the ceasefire excludes Lebanon, continuing its military actions against Hezbollah positions. Hezbollah warned that a regional response, including Iran, could occur if Israel does not adhere to the agreement.
Despite a US-brokered pause in hostilities with Iran, Israel stated it will continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran warned it would retaliate against Tel Aviv if Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon do not cease immediately. This shows a dual track: de-escalation with Iran alongside sustained defensive operations on Israel's northern border.
The IDF temporarily halted airstrikes against Iran but continues operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The military conducted strikes targeting Iranian launch sites and key weapons production facilities. Despite the pause following political directives, the IDF remains on high alert for further action.
Israel supports US President Trump's decision to suspend military strikes against Iran for two weeks. However, Israel conditioned its support on Iran immediately opening the straits and ceasing all attacks in the region. While Pakistan's PM mediated, Israel clarified that the two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon.