In a dramatic late-night reversal, President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on April 7, 2026—just 90 minutes before his self-imposed deadline threatening “complete demolition” of Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the truce, which includes the temporary reopening of the critical waterway vital for global oil shipments. Both sides claimed victory: the U.S. hailed it as a win for de-escalation brokered by Pakistan, while Tehran described it as a strategic pause that preserved its leverage.
Negotiations between the two nations are scheduled to begin Friday in Islamabad under the Islamabad Accord framework. However, the ceasefire’s fragility became evident within hours. Iranian ballistic missiles struck targets in Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, while Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline was hit. Explosions were reported on Iran’s Sirri and Lavan islands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly clarified that the deal does not extend to Lebanon, where Israeli operations continue.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine briefed reporters, stating American forces would “hang around” to enforce terms. Markets reacted positively: oil prices plunged and global stocks surged on hopes of stabilized energy supplies. Critics, including the lead architect of the original Iran nuclear deal, called the agreement a “catastrophically bad starting point,” warning it rewards Iranian aggression without addressing nuclear concerns.
Iranians formed human chains on bridges in a show of national unity. World leaders urged restraint, with some praising the truce while others expressed skepticism about its longevity. The two-week window now sets the stage for high-stakes talks that could reshape Middle East security for years to come.
