New Delhi, Washington, Tehran, Apr 8: United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire with US President Donald Trump announcing cessation of hostilities and Tehran agreeing to allow passage through Hormuz Strait for ‘’a period of two weeks in coordination with the Iranian Armed Forces.’’
The understanding was reached on the US 15-point proposal and Trump’s announcement about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s ten-point proposal as a basis for further negotiations.
President Trump while announcing the cessation of hostilities on his social media platform early this morning, said that subject to 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.’’
‘’Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran,’’ he said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement in Tehran that ‘’considering a request by the US for negotiations’’ if attacks against Iran are halted, Iranian Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations for a period of two weeks and safe passage through the strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and due consideration of technical limitations.’’
‘’I hereby declare that if attacks against Iran are halted, Iranian Defence Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible in coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,’’ Araghchi said while making the statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Trump, while describing it as a ‘’double-sided CEASEFIRE’’ said the reason for doing so is that US has already met and exceeded all military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.
He said the US had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it 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, he said.
‘’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 Longterm problem close to resolution,’’ Trump said.
UNI