GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – After more than a month of war, the United States, Iran, and Israel agreed late Tuesday to a two-week ceasefire, according to President Donald Trump. But with terms still unclear, uncertainty remains for families watching from afar.
President Trump posted on Truth Social that the countries had agreed to the temporary pause. The ceasefire is intended to halt strikes while negotiators work to finalize an agreement.
The ceasefire appears to be weak, with the Strait of Hormuz open for only a little while before closing again and attacks resuming in other countries.
Dr. Jolly Khalilzadeh, an associate professor at East Carolina University, said his siblings still live in Iran and that the announcement brought immediate relief — followed quickly by concerns.
“It was immediate relief, but the first thing that came to my mind is, OK — again, the second question, what’s next?” Khalilzadeh said.
He said he supports efforts he believes could lead to the removal of Iran’s current regime, but he does not believe war is the answer.
Khalilzadeh said he hopes the ceasefire prevents further loss of life in the short term.
“Maybe in the short term we don’t lose any souls in this fight,” he said. “But what about long-term? 20 years from now, we are dealing with the same regime building the same atomic bomb that you were afraid of?”
The White House said Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will lead a negotiating team to Pakistan for talks with Iran on Saturday.
Copyright 2026 WITN. All rights reserved.