Trump agrees to halt bombing of Iran for two weeks subject to strait reopening

Donald Trump has agreed to a provisional two-week ceasefire in the Iran war after pulling back at the last minute from his warning that “a whole civilisation will die” unless Tehran met his demands.

The US president said he was suspending his threat to widen the military offensive to power plants and bridges, subject to Iran agreeing to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway.

He said Tehran has proposed a 10-point plan that provided “a workable basis on which to negotiate”.

The move came in response to a request by Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator in the conflict between the warring sides.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: “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.

“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.”

He added: “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! President DONALD J. TRUMP”