The United States and Israel reached a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday as US President Donald Trump pulled back from his threats to destroy Iranian “civilisation.” But questions emerged over what appeared to be duelling proposals to halt the regionwide war and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, with Iran insisting it would charge tolls to passing ships and continue to enrich uranium. The decision came 90 minutes before the self-imposed 8 pm EST deadline set by Trump for Iran to reach a deal, after backchannel diplomacy involving Pakistan. Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), said he would “suspend” an escalation of attacks for two weeks if Iran agrees to open the key shipping route. In a social media post, he said talks with Pakistan led to what he called a “double-sided ceasefire.” “The reason for doing so is that 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,” Trump wrote.

 

Trump then suggested American warships would be “hangin’ around” the waterway, through which 20% of all oil and natural gas passes in peacetime. That could be a potential flashpoint as the days goes on. Trump initially said had Iran proposed a “workable” 10-point plan that could help end the war he launched with Israel on February 28. But he later called the plan fraudulent without elaborating. Trump has said ending Iran’s nuclear programme was a key war goal. The ceasefire is conditional. Trump said it depends on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.” In the streets of Tehran, pro-government demonstrators screamed: “Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!” after the ceasefire announcement and burned American and Israeli flags. It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptical battle with the United States.