As anticipated by the international community and relevant experts, congratulations again on correctly predicting Trump. Just half an hour earlier, Trump posted the following message:

“Following my conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, I have agreed to suspend military strikes against Iran for two weeks—provided that the Islamic Republic of Iran fully, immediately, and safely reopens the Strait of Hormuz. This will be a mutual ceasefire!

The reason for this decision is that we have already completed and surpassed all military objectives, and significant progress has also been made toward finalizing a long-term peace agreement with Iran, aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

We have received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which we consider a viable framework upon which negotiations can proceed. Almost all major points of contention between the U.S. and Iran have already been resolved. These two weeks will allow the agreement to be finalized and formally implemented.

On behalf of the United States of America—and also on behalf of the nations of the Middle East—I am truly honored to see this long-standing issue approaching resolution.

Thank you! (See post image below)

The core context behind this statement is that the deadline for the U.S. to launch a large-scale military strike against Iran—set for April 7, 2026—was now entering its final countdown. In a sudden move at the eleventh hour, Trump announced a two-week pause in action. The entire situation appears to be a crisis management maneuver, facilitated by third-party intervention, aimed at buying time for diplomatic efforts.

At the time of the announcement, less than an hour remained before the previously issued ultimatum deadline (20:00 Eastern Time on April 7), and a devastating strike targeting Iran’s power plants, bridges, and other critical infrastructure was already imminent.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Chief of the Army Staff appealed to Trump, requesting a two-week extension to enable diplomatic mediation. Their request received a positive response from Trump.

A last-minute emergency brake at the edge of war: The incident highlights the extreme unpredictability of war. Massive U.S. military pressure combined with Iran’s firm resistance had brought the conflict into deadlock—any accidental escalation could trigger full-scale war.

A graceful retreat after "victory": Trump claimed that "all military objectives had been completed and exceeded," framing the pause as a deliberate, strategic withdrawal rather than a forced concession. This allows him to present tangible military achievements to the domestic audience.

Trump’s sudden halt was a double-edged political calculation.

Domestically, fulfilling promises: Trump had repeatedly asserted he could swiftly resolve the Iranian issue. This “pause” can now be packaged as a success of diplomatic diplomacy, helping him cultivate an image as a peacemaker.

Internationally, maximum pressure strategy: The entire episode continues his "maximum pressure" approach—setting ultimatums and threatening war to place himself in a position of strength, then offering a generous two-week grace period as a gesture of magnanimity.

Trump’s third dramatic ultimatum has thus come to a close. This so-called “mutual ceasefire” more closely resembles a crisis pause disguised as a diplomatic victory—a high-stakes gamble played by all parties on the brink of war and peace, offering a faint glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution.

Regardless of future power struggles, at least the international community—especially Iran—now has greater clarity. Trump’s ultimatums may still come again: a fourth, fifth, or even more. Thus, the war initiated by the U.S. drags on slowly, ending with a long tail. If there is any talk of victory, truthfully speaking, Iran has won. Although Iran suffered heavy damage—far exceeding losses incurred by the U.S. and Israel—it endured. And enduring is victory, because it shattered the myth of American invincibility.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861859760552140/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.