JUST IN: US and Iran Fail to Set Start Time for Two-Week Ceasefire, AP Reports; Missile Exchanges Continue Between Israel and Iran as US Halts Offensive Operations

Reflecto News
In-depth reporting on the US-Iran conflict and its global repercussions

The fragile two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran remains in legal limbo as neither side has specified when the truce will officially begin, according to the Associated Press. While the US military has paused all offensive operations against Iranian targets, both Israel and Iran continue to exchange missiles, raising immediate questions about the deal’s enforceability and long-term viability.

This latest development comes less than 24 hours after the surprise announcement of the ceasefire, which was tied to Iran’s commitment to allow safe, coordinated passage through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

No Agreed Start Time for Ceasefire

Diplomatic sources and AP reporting confirm that discussions between Washington and Tehran did not include a concrete timeline for implementing the ceasefire. Pakistan’s Prime Minister had earlier described the agreement as “effective immediately,” but this claim has not been corroborated by US or Iranian officials.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that American forces have halted offensive strikes on Iran while continuing defensive measures. Iran, meanwhile, has indicated it will cease “defensive operations” only once attacks against it fully stop, leaving room for interpretation and potential violations.

Negotiations between the two sides are still scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with the goal of transforming the temporary pause into a permanent resolution.

Ongoing Missile Fire Between Israel and Iran

Despite the US-Iran understanding, hostilities persist on the Israel-Iran front. Iranian missiles have been launched toward Israel, prompting Israeli air defense systems to intercept threats. Reports indicate air raid sirens sounding in parts of Israel, with some debris causing minor damage or injuries. Israel has also conducted strikes, maintaining pressure on Iranian-linked targets, including operations related to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The ceasefire framework explicitly focuses on direct US-Iran hostilities and does not automatically extend to Israel’s actions or Iran’s regional proxies. Israeli officials have expressed conditional support for the pause but emphasized that threats from Iran and its allies must be neutralized.

Additional alerts were reported in Gulf countries, including Bahrain, where missile sirens activated amid the uncertainty.

US Military Position: Offensive Halt, Defensive Continuity

The Pentagon has confirmed that US forces are no longer conducting offensive operations against Iran. This shift follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pull back from earlier threats of escalated strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.

However, defensive postures remain active to protect US assets and allies in the region. This distinction is crucial, as it allows Washington to respond to any perceived threats while giving diplomacy a window to work.

Strait of Hormuz: Partial Reopening Expected

A key element of the agreement is Iran’s pledge to permit safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, coordinated with its armed forces. The strait, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies, had been severely restricted, triggering sharp spikes in energy prices.

Analysts expect gradual reopening during the ceasefire period, which could help stabilize global oil markets. Early market reactions already show declining crude prices, offering relief to energy-importing nations.

Reactions and Statements

• United States: President Trump has framed the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory” for American pressure, while stressing the need for a lasting deal. The White House continues to deny full acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan, describing it only as a “workable basis” for talks.
• Iran: Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the pause but reiterated that it “does not signify the termination of the war.” Iran insists on comprehensive sanctions relief, recognition of its nuclear rights, and security guarantees.
• Israel: Officials support suspending direct strikes on Iran but maintain that operations against threats in Lebanon and elsewhere will continue as needed.
• Pakistan: As the primary mediator, Islamabad has urged both sides to honor the spirit of the agreement and begin substantive talks on Friday.

Global and Economic Implications

The lack of a clear start time introduces uncertainty that could undermine market confidence. Energy analysts warn that any renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have devastating effects on global supply chains and inflation.

Humanitarian concerns also loom large, with ongoing conflict exacerbating displacement and civilian risks across the Middle East. International calls for de-escalation have grown, with mediators from Egypt and Turkey joining Pakistan’s efforts.

What Happens Next?

The coming days will be critical. If the ceasefire takes hold without major violations, Friday’s talks in Islamabad could address core disputes, including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, and regional security architecture. However, continued missile exchanges risk derailing progress and reigniting full-scale hostilities.

Experts remain cautiously optimistic but highlight deep mistrust between the parties as a major obstacle to a permanent peace.

FAQs: Latest Developments in the US-Iran Ceasefire

Q1: Has a specific start time been set for the two-week ceasefire?
No. According to AP reports, the US and Iran did not discuss or agree on a precise timeline for when the ceasefire begins.

Q2: Are US forces still attacking Iran?
No. The US military has halted all offensive operations against Iran but continues defensive actions to protect its interests and allies.

Q3: Why are Israel and Iran still exchanging missiles?
The ceasefire primarily concerns direct US-Iran hostilities and does not automatically halt Israel-Iran or Israel-Hezbollah confrontations. Both sides continue operations they deem necessary for self-defense.

Q4: Will the Strait of Hormuz reopen immediately?
Iran has committed to allowing safe, coordinated passage during the ceasefire period. However, without a clear start time, the exact implementation remains uncertain.

Q5: Where and when will negotiations continue?
Talks between US and Iranian delegations are expected to begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Q6: What is the status of Iran’s 10-point plan?
The US views it as a “workable basis” for negotiation but has explicitly rejected claims of full acceptance. Core issues like sanctions and nuclear enrichment remain points of contention.

Reflecto News will provide continuous updates as the situation evolves. This uncertain ceasefire represents a delicate diplomatic opening in a conflict that has already disrupted global energy markets and raised fears of wider regional instability. Stay tuned for further developments.