Trump Agrees to Two-Week Ceasefire, Subject to Strait of Hormuz Opening

After 39 days of escalating conflict with Iran, President Trump has announced a two-week ceasefire conditioned on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has sent global markets soaring and oil prices tumbling below $100 a barrel. The deal, brokered through frantic diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and reportedly involving Chinese mediation, marks a dramatic reversal from Trump's earlier threats to 'destroy Iran's whole civilization'—a statement that drew widespread condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans. While the White House claims progress, analysts warn the ceasefire is fragile, with Iran's 10-point plan reportedly demanding the lifting of all sanctions, recognition of Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, and reparations—terms that would represent a historic strategic retreat for the U.S. Critics, including former officials and military experts, argue this undermines decades of U.S. foreign policy and risks emboldening Iran. Meanwhile, Congress remains on recess, with Democrats demanding an emergency session to pass a War Powers resolution and even consider impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment. On the ground, Iranian civilians have rejected the narrative of American liberation, with protests burning U.S. and Israeli flags, while the U.S. and Israel's failed bet on a domestic uprising reveals a major miscalculation in their strategy. Despite the ceasefire, missile strikes continue, and the long-term consequences for U.S. credibility, regional stability, and global energy markets remain deeply uncertain.