Conditional Ceasefire Hinges on Strait Access as Tehran Sets Terms for Peace

A fragile diplomatic opening has emerged in the Middle East as Iran signaled willingness to pause hostilities under strict conditions tied to the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced that safe passage through the vital oil route would be granted for two weeks, provided that attacks from the United States and Israel are halted. He noted that Iran would also suspend its defensive military operations within the same period.

However, authorities stressed that the arrangement does not mark the end of the conflict. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said a permanent resolution would depend on the acceptance of its broader demands, including security guarantees, sanctions relief, and continued control over the waterway.

Diplomatic efforts are set to shift to Islamabad, with Shehbaz Sharif playing a central mediation role following consultations with Donald Trump, who confirmed a temporary suspension of US military actions.

The development introduces a narrow window for negotiations, raising cautious optimism for de-escalation while underscoring the high stakes surrounding one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.