Iran Signals De-escalation: Ceasefire Offer Tied to Halt in Attacks
Tehran Offers Conditional Halt to Military Operations, Facilitates Safe Passage in Hormuz
Tehran, Iran – In a significant diplomatic move, Iran has signaled a potential de-escalation in regional tensions. A message issued by the Supreme National Security Council, conveyed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, outlines a conditional cessation of defensive military operations and offers a two-week window for secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement expressed gratitude to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir for their efforts in promoting peace and ending conflict in the region.
Responding to a fraternal request from the Pakistani Prime Minister and in consideration of a US request for negotiations on its 15-point proposal, along with the US President’s statement accepting Iran’s 10-point proposals as a basis for talks, Iran has put forth its conditions:
- Reciprocal De-escalation: Iran declared that should attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran cease, its “powerful armed forces” will also halt their defensive operations.
- Safe Passage in Hormuz: For a period of two weeks, secure passage in the Strait of Hormuz will be facilitated, in coordination with Iran’s armed forces and taking into account existing technical limitations.
This announcement marks a critical juncture, with the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly linking a reduction in regional hostilities to the cessation of external aggressions. The offer to ensure safe navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint, is contingent on reciprocal de-escalation. The international community will be closely observing the response to these conditions, which represent a significant step by Iran towards fostering stability.
