Iran Agrees to Two-Week Ceasefire and Opens Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Supreme National Security Council has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, according to a statement posted by the country's Foreign Minister, in a development that sent immediate shockwaves through global energy markets and diplomatic circles.

The announcement, which emerged through official channels on Wednesday, marks a significant de-escalation after weeks of heightened tensions that had threatened one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, serves as the passage for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply, making any disruption there a matter of acute concern for energy-importing nations and producers alike.

Iran's Foreign Minister confirmed the Security Council's decision via social media, describing the ceasefire as a strategic choice aimed at creating space for diplomatic engagement. No further details were immediately available regarding the parties to the ceasefire agreement or the specific conditions attached to the two-week timeline.

The move carries considerable weight for Gulf Cooperation Council states, including Qatar, which relies on the Strait for the export of liquefied natural gas to customers across Asia and Europe. Qatar, the world's leading LNG exporter, had been closely monitoring the situation as any sustained closure of the waterway would have disrupted supply chains and triggered price volatility in global energy markets.

Doha has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions, and Qatari officials are expected to welcome the announcement as a step toward stability. Qatar's role as a regional mediator, demonstrated in past negotiations involving Iran and Western powers, positions it as a potential facilitator in any broader talks that may follow the ceasefire period.

Analysts cautioned that two weeks represents a narrow window, and that the underlying disputes driving the tension remain unresolved. The ceasefire nonetheless provides a critical pause that diplomats and regional stakeholders will be under pressure to convert into a more durable arrangement. Energy markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices moving on the news as traders recalibrated risk assessments for Gulf shipping lanes.

The situation remains fluid, and international partners including the United Nations and key diplomatic actors are expected to engage rapidly in the coming hours to support the momentum generated by Tehran's announcement.