President Donald J. Trump has announced a temporary halt to planned military action against Iran, declaring a two-week ceasefire tied to ongoing peace negotiations in the Middle East.
The decision was contained in a statement issued by Trump following discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, who urged restraint over the escalating situation.
“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,” Trump said.
He added, “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.”
The US leader disclosed that Washington had received a proposal from Tehran, which he described as a strong foundation for further talks.
“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,” he said.
Trump stated that the pause in hostilities would give room for both sides to conclude negotiations aimed at ending years of tension in the region.
“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 Long-term problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
