The United States and Iran have both claimed success after agreeing to a two-week ceasefire, even as missile attacks were reported across the Gulf region and Israel shortly after the announcement. The deal, confirmed by Donald Trump, has led to a pause in US military strikes, though tensions remain high across the region.
As part of the agreement, Iran said it would coordinate safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key condition of the deal for Washington. Meanwhile, Pakistan has invited both sides to talks in Islamabad in an effort to advance diplomacy. Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel would halt strikes on Iran but clarified that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire.
But what does the term "ceasefire" really mean? Also known as a truce or armistice, a ceasefire refers to a temporary halt in hostilities, during which each side negotiates terms to pause the conflict and take steps to de-escalate tensions.
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