Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - Donald Trump has agreed to suspend the “destructive force” he previously threatened against Iran, announcing a two-week ceasefire aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the agreement as
a “big day for World Peace,” adding that the United States would assist in
easing traffic through the strait, which has remained largely closed during the
ongoing conflict. The ceasefire was announced shortly before Trump’s deadline
for Iran, with the waterway, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil
supply passes, having been effectively blocked over the past month.
Trump said Iran had proposed a “workable” 10-point peace
plan to help end the war, although he later described the same plan as
fraudulent without providing further details. He stated that the decision to
suspend military action followed discussions with Shehbaz Sharif and Asim
Munir, who urged restraint, contingent on Iran agreeing to the immediate and
safe reopening of the strait.
Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted the
ceasefire proposal but clarified that it would not apply to ongoing hostilities
involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
This position was contradicted by Pakistan, which played a
mediating role in the agreement, with its leadership indicating that the
ceasefire should include a halt to fighting in Lebanon. Following the
announcement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the development and said
he would travel to the Middle East to support implementation efforts and visit
British troops in the region.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed
acceptance of the temporary ceasefire and indicated readiness to begin
negotiations with the United States in Islamabad. Foreign Minister Abbas
Araghchi stated that passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be permitted
for the duration of the ceasefire under Iranian military oversight.
It remains unclear whether Iran will fully lift restrictions
on the waterway, though reports suggest both Iran and Oman may impose transit
fees on vessels, with Iran expected to use the revenue for reconstruction.
Iran’s broader conditions for ending the conflict reportedly
include the withdrawal of US forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions,
and the release of frozen assets. Despite the ceasefire announcement, attacks
were reported across Israel, Iran, and parts of the Gulf region early
Wednesday, raising uncertainty about the agreement’s immediate effectiveness.
Confusion also emerged over the details of Iran’s proposed
peace plan, with discrepancies between Farsi and English versions. The Farsi
version reportedly included a clause on the “acceptance of enrichment” for
Iran’s nuclear programme — a point omitted in English translations —
complicating negotiations, as the United States and Israel have consistently
demanded a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear activities.
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