TEHRAN, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (WNP): Islamic Republic of Iran has announced a conditional ceasefire and agreed to facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, following intensified diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership.

In an official statement issued from Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir for their “tireless efforts” aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the region.

Responding to a “brotherly request” from the Pakistani premier, the Iranian minister said Tehran had agreed to engage in negotiations, taking into account proposals exchanged between Iran and the United States of America.

He noted that Washington had shown willingness to negotiate based on its 15-point proposal, while also accepting the general framework of Iran’s 10-point plan.

Araghchi stated that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council had decided that if attacks against Iran are halted, its armed forces would cease defensive operations, paving the way for de-escalation.

He further announced that for a period of two weeks, safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured in coordination with Iran’s armed forces, subject to technical considerations.

The development comes amid a broader diplomatic push involving Pakistan, which has been actively mediating between Tehran and Washington to reduce tensions and advance a peaceful settlement.

Analysts view the announcement as a significant step toward stabilizing the region, with the temporary ceasefire and reopening of the key global energy corridor expected to ease geopolitical and economic pressures while allowing negotiations to progress toward a comprehensive agreement.