President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday night, pulling back from a self-imposed deadline and extreme threats just 90 minutes before promised military strikes would have begun against the Islamic Republic.

Deadline Paused After Pakistan Request

Trump posted on Truth Social that he agreed to suspend bombing operations after conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. The ceasefire depends on Iran completely and immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping channel through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas typically passes. Iran has disrupted shipping through the waterway, prompting weeks of escalating American threats.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump had warned on social media that an entire civilization would die that night without a deal. He threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges, marking his most extreme public rhetoric since the conflict began. Trump had previously threatened to bomb Iran into the Stone Age and used profane language while demanding Tehran reopen the strategic waterway.

Iran Proposes Negotiation Framework

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council responded with a 10-point plan to end hostilities. The proposal includes controlled passage through the strait coordinated by Iranian armed forces, compensation for damages, and withdrawal of American forces from regional bases. Trump called the Iranian plan workable on social media. Negotiations will begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with possible extensions by mutual agreement between both nations.

Congressional Democrats Condemn Threats

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a joint statement with Democratic leadership calling Trump completely unhinged and demanding Congress reconvene immediately to end what they termed a reckless war of choice. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic ranking members condemned the threatened destruction of civilian infrastructure as potential war crimes. The officials warned that such strikes on power and water systems would punish Iranian civilians already suffering under their government’s rule.

What This Means

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office supports the suspension of strikes provided Iran immediately opens the Strait and stops all attacks on America, Israel, and regional countries. However, Israel specified that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, where Israeli forces have invaded following attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. The two-week window creates space for diplomatic negotiations while maintaining pressure on Tehran to restore commercial shipping access through one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.