TL/DR –
President Donald Trump has announced a suspension of U.S. military strikes on Iran for two weeks, just 90 minutes before his set deadline for mass bombing in the country. The decision to pause came after discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Army Chief, and is dependent on Iran’s agreement to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have agreed to a conditional ceasefire framework, stating they will halt defensive operations if attacks against it stop and permit safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, coordinated with Iran’s armed forces.
President Trump Suspends U.S. Military Strikes on Iran
President Donald Trump declared a two-week suspension of U.S. military strikes on Iran. The pause came less than 90 minutes before the 8 p.m. Eastern deadline he had set for mass bombing.
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The decision follows escalating threats that alarmed lawmakers and allies. Trump’s dire warning earlier Tuesday, that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” led over 50 Democrats to call for his removal under the 25th Amendment.
Trump communicated the pause via Truth Social after discussions with Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and army chief, Asim Munir, who urged him to delay the “destructive force” being prepared for deployment.
Related: Donald Trump’s Profanity-filled Easter Sunday Iran Threat.
Related: Donald Trump’s Threat of Genocide in Iran.
Trump conditioned the suspension on Iran’s agreement to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz. He tagged the move as a “double sided CEASEFIRE” and claimed U.S. military objectives had been “met and exceeded.”
Related: Rachel Maddow Questions ‘Who benefits?’ from Trump’s War with Iran
Trump mentioned a “10 point proposal” from Iran as a “workable basis” for a broader agreement. He stated that “almost all” major points of contention had been resolved and the two-week pause would allow a deal to be finalized.
Iranian officials agreed to a conditional ceasefire framework outlined by Trump. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Tehran would halt its “defensive operations” if attacks against it stop. The statement also granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks under coordination with Iran’s armed forces.
Despite Trump’s announcement, advocacy groups urged lawmakers to remain vigilant. Indivisible co-executive director Leah Greenberg insisted that Congress must act to control the president. She implored congressional leaders to return from recess and pass a War Powers Resolution.
This story is under development and will be updated with additional reporting.
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