Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has directed all military units to halt firing after Tehran agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the United States.
However, authorities stressed that the pause in hostilities does not signal the end of the conflict.
In a statement broadcast on state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Khamenei said:
"This is not the end of the war but all military branches should follow the Supreme Leader's order and cease their fire."
Iran Signals Continued Readiness
Soon after the ceasefire announcement, Iran underlined that it remains prepared for any escalation. Officials warned that the country would respond forcefully if provoked by the United States or Israel.
The Supreme National Security Council said:
"It is emphasised that this does not signify the termination of the war… Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force."
Conflict Background and War Claims
The ongoing conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel carried out a joint strike on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day. Over the past 39 days, the war has resulted in casualties across multiple countries.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made, Iran's Supreme National Security Council praised its citizens, stating:
"Now we give the great nation of Iran the good news that nearly all the objectives of the war have been achieved, and your brave children have brought the enemy to historic helplessness and lasting defeat."
Iran's 10-Point Proposal for Peace
As part of ceasefire negotiations, the United States initially presented a 15-point proposal, to which Iran responded with a revised 10-point plan. Tehran described this as the foundation for further discussions.
According to Iranian officials, the proposal highlights key demands, including controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with its armed forces, an end to military actions against the Axis of Resistance, and the withdrawal of US troops from regional bases.
The plan also calls for a structured transit protocol in the Strait of Hormuz that ensures Iran's authority, compensation for war damages, removal of sanctions, release of blocked Iranian assets abroad, and formal approval of these terms through a binding UN Security Council resolution.
Iran stated it would accept a formal end to the war once negotiations are completed, "given the acceptance of the principles set forth in the 10-article plan."
Talks Scheduled in Islamabad
Tehran confirmed that negotiations will take place in Islamabad starting Friday, April 10. The discussions are expected to continue for two weeks, with the possibility of an extension if both sides agree.
During this period, officials called for unity within the country, stating:
"During this period, it is essential to maintain complete national unity and to continue victory celebrations with strength."
Iran described the ceasefire as a sign of the "enemy's surrender on the battlefield." At the same time, it made clear that future steps depend on the outcome of talks. If negotiations lead to a political breakthrough, Iran said it would mark a "great historic victory." Otherwise, it signaled its willingness to continue fighting until its demands are met.
Trump Announces "Double-Sided Ceasefire"
Former US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire late Tuesday, just hours before a planned deadline for strikes on Iran's infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. He said the decision followed a proposal put forward by Pakistan.
Describing the arrangement as a "double-sided ceasefire", Trump stated that the US has "already met and exceeded all military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East."
He added that Iran's 10-point proposal offers 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," Trump said, adding "it is an honor to have this longterm problem close to resolution."
Key Condition: Strait of Hormuz Access
Despite the breakthrough, Trump attached a key condition to the ceasefire. He said it remains "subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz."
As both sides prepare for negotiations, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether this temporary pause can evolve into a lasting agreement, or if the conflict will resume once again.