OTTAWA – A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been agreed upon, according to a CBC News broadcast on Monday evening. The agreement, brokered by Pakistan, aims to allow time for negotiations.

Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Despite the ceasefire, reports indicate continued attacks in the Gulf region. Kuwait reported 30 drone attacks damaging power stations, oil facilities, and water desalination plants. Oman and Saudi Arabia also reported attacks, with the UAE reporting missile interceptions. Saudi Arabia’s east-west pipeline, a key crude oil export route, was also attacked.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed Iran “begged” for the ceasefire and described Operation Epic Fury as a “historic and overwhelming victory,” stating that 90% of Iran’s navy had been destroyed and a significant portion of its missile and nuclear infrastructure damaged. However, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a statement claiming a “historical and crushing defeat” for the US.

The US is pushing for a 15-point peace plan, while Iran initially proposed a 5-point plan, later revised to 10 points. US President Donald Trump stated there was a “workable basis” for negotiation and claimed almost all points of contention had been agreed upon. He also mentioned plans to work with Iran to retrieve buried nuclear material.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Point of Contention

Iran claims to have reopened the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, but is reportedly demanding tolls and coordinating passage militarily. Reports indicate limited ship traffic through the strait, with approximately 1,000 vessels waiting on both sides. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates it could take months to restore normal supply chains, even if the strait fully reopens, due to damage to regional refining capacity.

Fighting Continues in Lebanon

Fighting continues in Lebanon, with Israel conducting what it described as the largest bombardment against Hezbollah since the conflict began. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they hit 100 different sites across Lebanon, including in Beirut and the Bakah Valley. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties. Israeli officials stated actions against Hezbollah would continue regardless of the US-Iran ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and cease hostilities against Lebanon, a sentiment echoed by statements from France, Italy, Germany, Canada, the UK, Denmark, and the European Union.

NASA’s Artemis II mission also received coverage, with reports of successful ship-to-ship communication with the International Space Station and observations from the far side of the moon. President Trump congratulated Canada’s astronaut Jeremy Hansen on the mission’s success.