US & Iran Agree to 2-Week Ceasefire; Strait of Hormuz to Reopen

April 8, 2026 - In a major breakthrough in the West Asia conflict, a two-week ceasefire has been agreed upon by Iran and the US-Israel. There is an immediate de-escalation in the military campaign that erupted on February 28, 2026. Delegations from Iran and the US are expected to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement in Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Pakistan mediated the ceasefire talks after weeks of negotiations involving the warring sides. After Iran agreed to it, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on his social media platform, "With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY."

Iran said yes to the ceasefire after Trump said he would suspend attacks if the former fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has said it will allow ships to pass through the water body during the ceasefire period but only in coordination with the country’s military. Additionally, as per an AP report, Iran and Oman will charge fees on ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire.

Trump has agreed to negotiate on Iran’s 10-point proposal which includes lifting of all primary US sanctions, non-aggression agreement between the US and Iran, Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz and payment of compensation to Iran for all war damages. While the point “acceptance of enrichment” for Iran’s nuclear programme is missing in the English version, it has been included in the Farsi version.

It is to be seen how the negotiations pan out when the two countries meet in Islamabad on Friday. There are, however, speculations from many quarters that the ceasefire is merely a ploy by both sides, particularly the US, to buy some time to re-group.

Meanwhile, Israel has said it has agreed to the ceasefire but only with Iran and it does not include Lebanon. The Israeli media reported that  “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks – subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region”.

With the Strait of Hormuz re-opening for the two-week period, prices of crude have fallen from their highs and the stock market surged in a relief rally. US Crude Futures fell around 16% to $94.59 a barrel, while Brent Futures dived15% to $92.35 per barrel.

With Media Inputs

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