Headline
Apr 08, 2026

In a dramatic turn after weeks of escalating conflict, the United States and Iran have agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire

In a dramatic turn after weeks of escalating conflict, the United States and Iran have agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire, announced just moments before a critical deadline set by President Donald Trump. The agreement comes after more than a month of intense military exchanges involving U.S. and Israeli forces, raising fears of a broader regional war.

According to officials, the breakthrough hinges on a key condition: the immediate and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically vital shipping routes. The narrow waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil supply, had been closed by Iran in response to the conflict, sending shockwaves through international energy markets.

President Trump confirmed the agreement in a statement, noting that he had decided to pause planned military action following diplomatic outreach from international partners. “Subject to Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, I have authorized a suspension of further strikes for a period of two weeks,” Trump said.

The decision came after urgent communication with Pakistan’s leadership, who played a central role in mediating the agreement. Officials familiar with the talks said Pakistan urged restraint at a critical moment, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences if the conflict continued to escalate.

Iranian leaders, for their part, framed the ceasefire as a strategic victory. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran would allow safe passage through the Strait for the duration of the agreement, while also signaling openness to renewed diplomatic talks. Negotiations between U.S. and Iranian representatives are expected to begin later this week in Pakistan, offering a potential pathway toward a longer-term resolution.

“If aggression against Iran ceases, our armed forces will also halt defensive operations,” Araghchi stated, emphasizing that the move was conditional and could be reversed if hostilities resumed.

The ceasefire follows an intense period of military operations, including a U.S.-led campaign that officials described as highly effective in achieving key strategic objectives. The operation, which lasted just over a month, targeted critical infrastructure and military capabilities tied to Iran’s war effort.

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