TEHRAN, Iran — U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday as the two nations agreed to a two-week ceasefire. This development marks a significant shift in U.S.-Iran relations, especially with an agreement to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipping.

The ceasefire emerged just hours before Trump’s self-imposed deadline for Iran to accept a deal to avoid military action targeting its bridges and power plants. Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed its acceptance of the ceasefire, declaring that negotiations with the United States would take place in Pakistan beginning Friday. Despite this, no specific start date for the ceasefire has been made public, and attacks were reported in Israel, Iran, and the Gulf region shortly after the announcement.

In a statement early Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the U.S. initiative while emphasizing that the truce does not cover clashes involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. “Israel backs the decision to suspend strikes as long as Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz and ceases attacks on the U.S., Israel, and our allies,” stated Netanyahu’s office.

The negotiations were made complex by conflicting details on a proposed 10-point plan from Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear program. Pro-government activists expressed strong opposition to perceived compromises, chanting anti-American slogans and burning flags in the streets of Tehran following the ceasefire announcement.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that passage through the Strait of Hormuz would continue under Iranian military oversight, although reluctance surrounds Iran's full compliance with reopening the waterway. The ceasefire also entails certain financial arrangements, with both Iran and Oman expecting transit fees from ships passing through.

Trump's decision to push back military action followed a plea from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the importance of allowing diplomatic talks to proceed unimpeded. “Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to,” Trump indicated, implying that the two-week ceasefire will enable further negotiation and resolution of outstanding issues between the two nations.