Tel Aviv, April 8 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Israel reaffirmed its support for the United States' decision to pause military actions against Iran. However, it specified that the proposed two-week ceasefire does not encompass Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump has stepped back from a potential military escalation with Iran by announcing a conditional two-week halt in planned strikes, linking the pause to efforts to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This development has alleviated escalating global tensions regarding a potential conflict in the region.

The decision came just 90 minutes before Trump's self-imposed 8 p.m. EST deadline for Iran to accept terms, following intense diplomatic negotiations that reportedly included involvement from Pakistan.

Iran indicated a cautious acceptance of the proposal, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stating that Tehran would cease military operations if attacks against it were halted.

"For a duration of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be attainable through coordination with Iran's Armed Forces, taking into account technical constraints," he elaborated, detailing the conditions tied to the ceasefire.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declared, "Israel endorses President Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, contingent upon Iran immediately reopening the straits and ceasing all attacks on the US, Israel, and neighboring countries in the region."

The statement further highlighted Israel’s alignment with Washington’s overarching strategic interests.

"Israel also backs the US initiative to ensure that Iran no longer presents a nuclear, missile, and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran's Arab neighbors, and the global community," it stated.

"The United States has assured Israel of its commitment to achieving these shared goals in forthcoming negotiations. The two-week ceasefire specifically excludes Lebanon," it emphasized, clarifying the limited focus of the arrangement on Iran.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official informed IANS that Trump had directly communicated with Netanyahu as part of efforts to finalize the ceasefire framework with Iran.

The official also revealed that Trump had discussions with Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir regarding the evolving circumstances. “President Trump spoke with PM Netanyahu and the Pakistani Field Marshal to finalize the agreement,” the senior administration official stated, without divulging further details about the talks.