Tehran: In a major development that may ease tensions in the Middle East, Iran has announced a conditional halt to its military operations, while the United States has agreed to suspend attacks for a period of two weeks, signaling a possible path toward a broader peace agreement.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued an official statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council, saying that Iran would stop its defensive operations if attacks against the country are halted. He also confirmed that safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would be allowed for two weeks, subject to coordination with Iranian armed forces and technical conditions.

The announcement came after diplomatic outreach led by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, who reportedly played a key role in urging de-escalation.

In a parallel statement, U.S. President Donald J. Trump confirmed that Washington would suspend planned attacks on Iran for the same two-week period. He described the move as part of a “double-sided ceasefire” aimed at creating space for finalizing a long-term peace agreement.

Trump stated that the United States had already achieved its military objectives and that negotiations with Iran had made significant progress. He added that Iran’s 10-point proposal had been received positively and could serve as a workable basis for a final deal, alongside a previously discussed U.S. 15-point framework.

According to both sides, most major points of disagreement have already been addressed, and the temporary ceasefire is intended to allow time to conclude a comprehensive agreement. The development is being seen as a rare moment of alignment between the two long-time adversaries, raising cautious hopes for stability in the region if the talks succeed.