US and Iran reach two-week ceasefire agreement

The United States and Iran have entered a two-week ceasefire agreement, narrowly avoiding a major military conflict in the Middle East. The deal was finalized shortly before the expiration of an ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, who had threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure. According to reports, Iran's leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, ordered negotiators to seek a deal as US military preparations for a large-scale strike intensified. As part of the arrangement, Iran has agreed to guarantee the safety of transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked since February 28, disrupting global energy supplies. President Trump described the outcome as a significant victory and pledged US assistance in decongesting shipping traffic in the strategic strait. While some sources characterize the agreement as a temporary respite that allows for further negotiations, others highlight the high pressure and chaotic diplomatic backchannel negotiations involving Pakistani intermediaries. Meanwhile, approximately 200 tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil and fuel remain affected by the regional tensions, and the future of the agreement remains subject to further discussions.