Iran Says Attacks Must Stop for Armed Forces to Halt Operations

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Iran has formally declared the conditions under which it will halt its military operations and allow limited safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, following diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and ongoing discussions with the United States.

In an official statement issued in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, speaking on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for what he described as their “tireless efforts to end the war in the region.”

The statement said Iran’s position comes in response to a “brotherly request” made by Prime Minister Sharif in a public tweet, as well as a request by the United States to engage in negotiations based on Washington’s 15-point proposal. It also referenced an announcement by the President of the United States regarding acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s own 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations.

Araghchi said that, on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Iran is prepared to halt military operations under specific conditions. “If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,” the statement said.

The foreign minister also announced that, for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would be possible. He said this would be carried out via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.

Iran Confirms Ceasefire:

Iranian state media is reporting what Tehran describes as a major diplomatic breakthrough following the confirmation of a two-week ceasefire, with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council portraying the agreement as a decisive victory over the United States.

According to Iran’s Press TV, the Supreme National Security Council said Iran had achieved a “historic victory” by forcing what it described as the “criminal US” to accept Iran’s 10-point plan. The council claimed that under the ceasefire arrangement, the United States has accepted Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s right to enrichment, and the removal of all sanctions.

The council further stated that the United States has agreed to stop its aggression against Iran, pay compensation for damages, and withdraw its forces from the region.

In a statement published by Mehr News Agency, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the reported two-week ceasefire agreement, saying the deal was negotiated by Pakistan. The statement said the ceasefire was reached with the approval of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Describing the deal as a “victory for Iran,” the council said negotiations for a permanent agreement would be held in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, US broadcaster CNN reported that Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire, citing an unnamed White House official. The report was later carried by Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, adding to indications that the ceasefire extends beyond Washington and Tehran.

Trump Announces Ceasefire:

U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a two-week suspension of U.S. bombing and attack operations against Iran, describing the decision as part of a “double sided CEASEFIRE” aimed at finalizing a long-term peace agreement and ensuring stability in the Middle East.

In a public statement issued early Wednesday (8), Trump said the move followed conversations with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. He said the discussions included a request that the United States halt the “destructive force” scheduled to be deployed against Iran.

Trump stated that the suspension is conditional upon the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” a vital global shipping route. He confirmed that he had agreed to pause military strikes for a period of two weeks to allow negotiations to conclude.

“This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE,” Trump said, adding that the United States has already “met and exceeded all Military objectives.” He said Washington is “very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.”

According to Trump, the United States has received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which he described as “a workable basis on which to negotiate.” He said most of the outstanding issues between Washington and Tehran have already been agreed upon, with the two-week ceasefire period intended to allow the agreement to be finalized and consummated.

Trump said the decision was made on behalf of the United States and in representation of countries across the Middle East, calling it “an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution.”

The statement concluded with Trump thanking the public for their attention, signing off as “President DONALD J. TRUMP.”