Iran's state television has branded Donald Trump's two-week ceasefire announcement as a humiliating climbdown, claiming victory over the US President. The 79-year-old had previously threatened to 'end' Iran's civilisation and 'demolish' its infrastructure, but faced backlash from US lawmakers and former military chiefs who deemed such threats illegal.
Trump agreed to the ceasefire on condition that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, describing a ten-point plan from Tehran as 'workable'. In a Truth Social post, he wrote: 'I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE!'
Iranian state news agency IRNA quickly posted on X: 'US President Donald Trump has once again retreated from his own threats, stating, "I agree to halt bombings and attacks against Iran for a period of two weeks, and this will be a mutual ceasefire."' NBC News correspondent Matt Bradley noted that Iranian state television displayed a banner reading: 'Trump's humiliating retreat from anti-Iran rhetoric; Trump has accepted Iran's conditions to end the war!'
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council, accepting Trump's terms: 'If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces.'
Trump confirmed the arrangement and said Iran's ten-point proposal offered a foundation for a lasting agreement. He added: '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 finalised and consummated.'
