Iranian officials confirmed conditional cooperation, stating shipping would resume under military coordination if hostilities fully cease during the agreed pause.
BY PC Bureau
April 8, 2026 — In a significant but tentative step toward de-escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of American military strikes on Iran following high-level discussions with Pakistani leadership, amid mounting global concern over the stability of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, Trump said the decision came after consultations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. He described the arrangement as a “double-sided ceasefire,” under which the United States would halt its bombing campaign for 14 days, provided Iran ensures the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil shipments.
Trump asserted that U.S. forces had “met and exceeded all military objectives” since the conflict erupted in late February 2026, when coordinated American and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian infrastructure. He framed the pause as an opportunity to finalize a broader peace agreement, claiming that “almost all points of past contention” between the sides had already been addressed.
In a post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has received a “workable” 10-point ceasefire proposal from Iran, signaling potential progress toward ending weeks of conflict. He said the decision to consider the proposal comes after the United States has “met and exceeded” its military objectives and is close to securing a “definitive agreement” for long-term peace with Iran and stability in the broader Middle East.
Trump said the proposal gained momentum following discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, who urged restraint. Acting on those talks, Trump announced a conditional pause in U.S. military operations, provided Tehran ensures 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. This will be a double-sided ceasefire,” Trump said, framing the move as a strategic pause to advance diplomacy.
He added that most major points of disagreement between Washington and Tehran have already been resolved in principle, and the temporary ceasefire would provide a critical window to finalize a comprehensive agreement.
“Almost all points of past contention have been agreed to,” Trump said, expressing confidence that the two-week period could lead to a finalized deal and what he described as a long-awaited resolution to tensions in the region.
The development marks a potential turning point in the crisis, though officials caution that negotiations remain ongoing and the situation could still shift.
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Iran Signals Conditional Cooperation
Iranian officials confirmed their acceptance of the temporary truce, signaling cautious willingness to facilitate maritime traffic through the strait. Tehran’s foreign minister stated that safe passage would be ensured “via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces,” contingent on a complete halt to hostilities.
In recent weeks, Iran had imposed restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for sustained airstrikes, effectively disrupting nearly 20% of global oil flows. The blockade sent shockwaves through international markets, driving up energy prices and affecting critical supply chains, including fertilizers and food commodities.
Under the two-week ceasefire plan agreed to tonight by both Iran and the United States, both Iran and Oman are permitted to charge fees on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Associated Press, with officials stating that the money received by Iran… pic.twitter.com/qsH7fBbofu
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 8, 2026
Iran Claims Victory
Iran has declared victory in the conflict triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, asserting that it compelled Washington to consider its 10-point ceasefire framework. Iranian officials say the proposal includes major concessions such as sanctions relief and recognition of its nuclear enrichment program.
In a statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said any agreement would require continued Iranian oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, formal acceptance of uranium enrichment, and the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions imposed by the United States.
The broader proposal, conveyed through mediators in Pakistan, also calls for a full U.S. military withdrawal from the Middle East, an end to attacks on Iran and its regional allies, and the release of frozen Iranian financial assets.
Additionally, Tehran is pushing for a binding United Nations Security Council resolution to formalize and enforce any final agreement, signaling its intent to secure long-term guarantees beyond a temporary ceasefire.
Pakistan Steps In as Mediator
The breakthrough underscores Pakistan’s emerging role as a key intermediary in the crisis. Diplomatic sources indicate that further negotiations are expected to continue in Islamabad, with both sides exploring frameworks for a longer-term settlement.
The ceasefire follows weeks of escalating rhetoric from Washington, including stark warnings from Trump about targeting Iranian infrastructure if the strait remained closed. Tehran had responded with equally strong language, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Markets Rally, But Doubts Persist
Global markets reacted swiftly to the announcement. Oil prices fell sharply, while U.S. stock futures rose, reflecting investor relief at the potential reopening of the critical shipping lane.
At the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the development as a strategic victory, arguing that sustained military pressure had created the leverage necessary for diplomacy.
However, skepticism remains on both sides. Some analysts view the agreement as a tactical win for Washington, forcing Iran to ease its blockade without immediate concessions. Others warn that the deal may grant Tehran greater long-term influence over the strait or merely postpone deeper disputes, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile program, and regional proxy networks.
Complicating matters further is the position of Israel, which has conducted parallel military operations against Iranian targets. Reports suggest that Israel’s stance on the ceasefire may not be fully aligned with Washington’s approach.
Trump announced a “double sided ceasefire” and said the U.S. has received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and “believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.”
Reports citing a senior White House official say, Israel has also agreed to the two week ceasefire and will… pic.twitter.com/kSHpYXTgIT
— Geeta Mohan گیتا موہن गीता मोहन (@Geeta_Mohan) April 7, 2026
A Fragile Pause, Not Peace
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains central to the الأزمة. Its reopening is critical not only for energy markets but also for global trade and food security.
While the two-week halt in hostilities offers a window for diplomacy, officials caution that it is a temporary and fragile arrangement. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the pause leads to a lasting agreement or merely delays a renewed cycle of conflict.
For now, both Washington and Tehran are claiming success — but the broader outcome remains uncertain.
