Doha, April 08 (QNA) - The United States and Iran's announcement of a ceasefire agreement is an initial step towards de-escalation and ensuring the stability of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediated by Pakistan and announced just hours before the end of the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran, the agreement stipulates a suspension of military operations for two weeks, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to guarantee freedom of international navigation, with both sides' delegations to hold direct talks in Islamabad to reach a final agreement that would achieve peace and stability in the region.

The agreement followed intense diplomacy that kept the world in suspense until the final moments, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Wednesday that Iran, the US, and their allied parties had agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and other areas, effective immediately.

Islamabad will host delegations from the US and Iran on Friday for negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement, the Pakistani Prime Minister stated, expressing hope that the Islamabad talks succeed in achieving lasting peace.

He added that both sides have demonstrated remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in advancing the cause of peace and stability.

Announcing reaching the ceasefire agreement, President 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 US President motivated the decision by adding, "We have 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."

"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 long-term problem close to resolution."

Trump insisted that Iranian nuclear materials would be an integral part of any final peace agreement, indicating his ambition to achieve what previous administrations had failed to accomplish.

Yesterday, the Pakistani Prime Minister had called on President Donald Trump to extend the deadline given to Iran by two weeks and equally urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same period as a gesture of goodwill, amid intensified diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to the ongoing war.

Iran subsequently announced its approval of a two-week ceasefire under specific conditions, while Iran's Supreme National Security Council said that negotiations would take place in Islamabad on Friday to finalize the details of ending the war.

Many countries have welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a critical opportunity for diplomacy, negotiations, and constructive dialogue to reduce escalation, end the conflict, and protect regional and international stability.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed support for the agreement, urging all parties to comply with international law and ceasefire terms. He stressed that halting hostilities is urgent to safeguard civilian lives and alleviate humanitarian suffering.

The conflict erupted on February 28 with multiple explosions in Iran following airstrikes by US and Israeli forces, which targeted former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military and security officials, as well as nuclear facilities in Natanz and Fordow, and Revolutionary Guard command centers.

The strikes also affected Iran's naval capabilities, including vessels in Bandar Abbas port and several warships at sea, rapidly intensifying military operations. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and, in a wider escalation, targeted sites in Gulf countries despite their efforts to remain neutral and advocate for peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

Tensions escalated further in March when Iran closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies. In early April, US President issued a stark warning threatening to strike Iranian power plants and bridges if the strait was not reopened, prompting international diplomatic efforts to prevent further regional escalation and paving the way for the temporary ceasefire announced early today.

While cautious optimism prevails in global political circles, ports and shipping companies in the Gulf are closely monitoring the ceasefire terms to manage the safe movement of a fleet of more than 800 vessels carrying approximately 20,000 sailors.

Normally, about 135 ships transit the strait daily, suggesting that clearing the current backlog could take several days of continuous work following a five-week crisis that pushed the world to the brink of an unprecedented global energy shortage. (QNA)