U.S. President Donald Trump. AP Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 7th (local time) via Truth Social that, on the condition that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran be lifted, “I agree to suspend bombing and attacks against Iran for two weeks.”

Noting that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked for a hold on military attacks against Iran, he said, “On the premise that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to the full, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend bombing and attacks against Iran for two weeks.” He added, “This will be a ceasefire that applies to both sides.”

Accordingly, the remaining step for the two-week ceasefire to be finalized is Iran deciding on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump then said, “The reason for doing this is that we have already achieved all military objectives and exceeded them, and we are very close to a final agreement related to long-term peace with Iran, and to peace in the Middle East.”

He also added, “We have received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and we believe it is a viable basis for negotiation.” He said, “The two-week period will make it possible to finalize and conclude that agreement.”

This announcement came about an hour and 30 minutes before the deadline he had set for negotiations regarding Iran: 8 p.m. Eastern on the 7th (9 a.m. on the 8th Korea time).