In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, facilitated by Pakistan. This agreement follows escalating military tensions in the region, particularly concerning the strategic Hormuz Strait, a vital passage for global oil and gas shipments.
Trump, who previously warned that “civilization could perish” if an agreement was not reached, expressed optimism about a 10-point proposal received from Tehran. He described it as a viable basis for negotiations, although details of the proposal were not disclosed.
The Iranian news agency Tasnim, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, confirmed the establishment of a ceasefire with specific conditions. Trump noted that the agreement hinges on Iran allowing safe passage for vessels through the Hormuz Strait.
“They asked me to restrain the destructive force that is being sent to Iran tonight, and on the condition that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to fully, immediately, and safely open the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to halt bombings and attacks on Iran for two weeks,” Trump stated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that if attacks against Iran cease, the country’s armed forces would also stop their retaliatory strikes targeting locations across the Middle East. He indicated that safe passage through the Strait would be coordinated with Iranian military forces, considering technical constraints.
Reports from Iranian media on April 7 indicated explosions in Tehran and the activation of air defense systems. Additionally, strikes were reported on the Iranian island of Khark, which is crucial for the nation’s oil exports, as well as on key bridges along major highways.
Multiple media outlets, including CNN, Reuters, and Fox News, cited U.S. officials confirming the strikes on Khark Island, with The Wall Street Journal reporting that over 50 military targets were hit.
Last week, Trump had threatened to send Iran “back to the Stone Age” with extensive strikes on its infrastructure if Tehran failed to meet a deadline for a deal or to reopen the Hormuz Strait.
On April 6, Pakistan presented a peace plan to both the U.S. and Iran, proposing an immediate ceasefire to restore shipping through the Hormuz Strait, followed by a 15 to 20-day period for negotiating a broader agreement. This would include Iran’s commitment to halt nuclear weapons development in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
In response, Iran proposed its own 10-point plan, rejecting a temporary truce in favor of a permanent cessation of hostilities, security guarantees, and sanctions relief.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, Iran had effectively closed the Hormuz Strait, which accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world’s maritime oil exports, translating to about 20 million barrels per day. The blockade has significantly impacted oil prices, prompting the Iranian parliament to announce plans to impose transit fees for passage through the Strait.
The U.S. and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, amid rising tensions over the Hormuz Strait. Both nations are exploring broader agreements while addressing immediate military threats in the region.