A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, has exposed deep contradictions over the status of the Strait of Hormuz. What President Trump described as full and immediate reopening has been framed as controlled passage by Tehran.
Trump Announces Ceasefire: Full Reopening vs. Controlled Passage
With less than two hours left on Trump's ultimatum, the US president posted on social media that both sides had agreed to a two-week truce. He stated: "On the condition that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to fully, immediately and safely open the Strait of Hormuz, I consent to a suspension of bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks. This will be a bilateral ceasefire." He also noted that a 10-point proposal from Tehran had been received and was considered a viable basis for negotiation.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed the ceasefire, with formal talks set to begin Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.
However, Iran's version of events diverges sharply. The Supreme National Security Council declared the strait would operate under "controlled passage" coordinated with Iranian armed forces. Foreign Minister Araghchi used the phrase "technical limitations", saying vessels could pass safely within two weeks, in coordination with Iran's military and subject to those limitations.
An anonymous official even suggested that Iran and Oman would levy tolls on ships transiting the strait during the ceasefire—though no official statement has been made. Before the conflict, hundreds of ships passed freely every day through this international waterway without any fees. The concept of controlled passage effectively hands Iran a negotiating chip.
Iran Maintains Warlike Stance: Strong Rhetoric
Even while declaring the ceasefire, Iran struck a combative tone. The Supreme National Security Council stated: "This does not mean the war is over. We still hold the initiative in war. If the enemy makes even the slightest mistake, we will respond with full force."
Markets React Instantly: Bitcoin, Gold Rally
Financial markets moved sharply on the ceasefire news. Gold surged to $4,800 per ounce, Bitcoin briefly jumped to $72,700, and Brent crude fell below $95. All eyes now turn to Friday's negotiations and whether they can yield a formal agreement.