Iran-US Ceasefire: Pete Hegseth press conference on Operation Epic Fury today - when and where to watch

The United States and Iran have entered a two-week ceasefire, agreed at the eleventh hour just before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for large-scale military escalation. The announcement has shifted global attention to Washington, where US Department of War chief Pete Hegseth is set to outline the next phase of “Operation Epic Fury” in a closely watched press briefing later today.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Tehran will temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, while Washington suspends planned strikes.

Trump confirmed the decision following discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, stating that they “requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran.”

He added: "Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks."

The briefing is expected to provide operational clarity on the ceasefire, outline military posture during the pause, and address the broader strategic objectives of Operation Epic Fury following weeks of sustained strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

The strait, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, had been effectively closed by Tehran in response to the war that began on February 28.

Araghchi stated: "If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,"

The conditional phrasing underscores the tenuous nature of the agreement, with both sides retaining the option to resume hostilities.

He stated that the United States “along with their allies” had agreed to halt fighting across multiple fronts, including Lebanon—raising the possibility of a wider regional pause.

However, Israel has not formally confirmed any such commitment.

Its ongoing offensive in Lebanon—launched in response to rocket fire from Iranian-backed Hezbollah, has resulted in more than 1,500 deaths, according to Lebanese authorities.

Israel had previously encouraged Washington to escalate its involvement against Iran and participated in coordinated strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recent attacks struck railways and bridges allegedly used by the Revolutionary Guards.

In a rare acknowledgement, the Israeli military expressed regret after confirming damage to a synagogue in Tehran, stating that the intended target had been a senior Iranian commander. Iran, despite its political structure under Shia clerical leadership, maintains around 100 synagogues serving its historic Jewish minority.

These strikes have disrupted the region’s long-standing image of stability. Qatar reported that four individuals were injured by falling missile debris, including a child. Explosions were also reported in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while the United Arab Emirates confirmed it had intercepted missile threats.