Washington: A two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran was reportedly driven by Washington's initiative, with the Trump administration working covertly for weeks to halt the conflict, even as President Donald Trump publicly threatened to destroy Iranian civilization.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump had been eager for a ceasefire since at least March 21. His threats to "obliterate" Iranian power plants were motivated by concerns over rising oil prices and surprise at the resilience of the Iranian regime under continuous attacks, as described by sources familiar with the negotiations.

The White House opted to engage Pakistan as its primary communication channel, believing that a Muslim-majority neighbor with a neutral stance could more effectively persuade Tehran to agree to a ceasefire. The agreement essentially required Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in return for a cessation of hostilities.

Washington has yet to respond to the report or the accusations contained within it.

This account contrasts sharply with the public stance taken by Trump and senior US officials, who claimed Iran "begged" for the ceasefire and presented the outcome as an unconditional military triumph.

The ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, just under two hours before Trump's ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face what he termed the destruction of "an entire civilization."

The US and Israel had initiated an offensive on February 28, prompting Iran to respond with strikes across the region, which led to restricted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and unsettled global markets.