Israel supports US President Donald Trump’s two-week pause on Iran strikes, as tensions ease over the Strait of Hormuz. Ceasefire talks gain momentum, but Israel clarifies the deal excludes Lebanon amid ongoing regional security concerns.
In a development aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for a United States decision to temporarily halt planned military strikes against Iran. The move, announced by Donald Trump, introduces a conditional two-week pause intended to create space for diplomatic engagement and prevent further escalation in the region.
The decision came just 90 minutes before a self-imposed 8 p.m. EST deadline set by Trump for Iran to respond to US demands. The last-minute shift followed intensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy, reportedly involving key international actors, including Pakistan. The announcement has brought a sense of relief globally, as fears of a broader conflict had been mounting rapidly.
Central to the agreement is the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Disruptions in this corridor could have triggered severe economic consequences worldwide.
Iran has indicated a cautious willingness to comply with the proposal. Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran would halt its military operations on the condition that all attacks against Iran cease. He emphasized that safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured for a two-week period, coordinated with Iran’s armed forces and subject to technical considerations.
In an official statement, Netanyahu’s office affirmed Israel’s alignment with Washington’s strategic approach. “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, provided Iran immediately opens the straits and ceases all attacks on the US, Israel, and regional partners,” the statement read.
The Israeli government also reiterated its long-standing position on Iran’s regional role, underscoring the need to eliminate what it described as nuclear, missile, and terror threats. Israel emphasized that it shares the United States’ broader objective of ensuring long-term security for itself, its allies, and the wider international community.
However, Israel made it explicitly clear that the ceasefire arrangement is limited in scope. The agreement, as confirmed by Israeli officials, applies only to Iran and does not extend to Lebanon. This clarification comes amid ongoing concerns about regional dynamics involving Iran-backed groups operating in Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, a senior White House official revealed that Trump held direct talks with Netanyahu as part of efforts to finalize the ceasefire framework. The discussions reportedly focused on aligning positions and ensuring mutual strategic objectives are maintained during the negotiation period.
Additionally, Trump is said to have engaged with Pakistan’s military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, to facilitate diplomatic coordination. While details of these discussions remain undisclosed, they highlight the broader international involvement in de-escalation efforts.
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The coming two weeks are expected to be critical, as negotiations unfold and stakeholders assess whether the pause can transition into a more lasting resolution. For now, the temporary halt offers a fragile but important opportunity to reduce tensions in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
