The decision follows discussions involving the Pakistani leadership, which urged him to hold off the strikes on Tehran. Trump added that the ceasefire is conditional on Iran reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Signaling a possible opening for diplomacy, the US President 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!"

Trump earlier threatened to take out entire Iran in one night

The war between Iran, the United States, and Israel has entered its sixth week. Amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East, Trump had earlier threatened to take out the entire country in one night on Tuesday. The remarks came ahead of his set deadline to reopen the strategic Strait. He warned that tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET would be the cutoff.

US IRAN War Updates: Saudi Arabia intercepts seven ballistic missiles

As hostilities continue, Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday said that the country's air defences intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched toward the eastern region, with debris falling near energy facilities. In yet another development, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned people across Iran and urged them to refrain from using public transport, like train. In a post on X, the military said, "Urgent warning to users and passengers of trains in Iran."

Trump threatens "Complete Demolition" of Iran's power plants and bridges

President Trump has threatened to bomb Iranian power plants and key infrastructure if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before his set deadline. Iranian officials, however, responded that the crucial international shipping route will remain closed until the nation is compensated for war damage.

Iran rejects 45-day ceasefire proposal, submits 10-clause counter demand

Iran has rejected America's proposal for a ceasefire and instead submitted a 10-clause counter demand in response, calling for a permanent end to the war, news agency IRNA reported.

Iran conveyed its position to the US through Pakistan on Monday. The demands reportedly include an end to all conflicts in the region, a set of rules ensuring safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and a commitment to rebuilding.

Strait of Hormuz crisis: Why it matters?

The Strait of Hormuz is solely responsible for the transit of 20-25 percent of global crude oil supply. Therefore, it holds critical significance. The Strait has Iran located on the northern side and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman located on the southern side. It extends for nearly 100 miles, with the narrowest stretch being 21 miles wide.

The strait is sufficiently deep for the biggest crude oil tankers in the world and is used by key Middle Eastern oil and LNG producers & customers. The oil not only comes from Iran but also from other Gulf countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the strait has not been fully closed to shipping, it has severely disrupted global transits.

US-Iran War Updates: February 28 Operation Epic Fury

The ongoing Iran war began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, and senior leadership. The operation aimed to weaken Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities and pressure the regime. During the initial strikes, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials were killed, triggering a major escalation across the Middle East.

Iran responded with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military bases in countries including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, widening the conflict across the region.