United States and Iran agree to two-week ceasefire

President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, following the joint US-Israeli military operations that began on February 28. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially expressed support for the pause, provided that Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz and ceases all attacks against the US, Israel, and regional nations. Israel stated the truce does not apply to Lebanon, and reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets continued shortly after the announcement. The stated goal remains for Iran to renounce threats related to nuclear programs, ballistic missiles, and terrorism. Opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the ceasefire, labeling it a political and strategic catastrophe for Israel. Lapid criticized the government for failing to meet its war objectives and for excluding Israel from the negotiations concerning its national security. Israel maintains its commitment to the US-led effort to neutralize long-term threats posed by the Iranian government.