US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire and Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire on April 7, 2026, pausing a conflict that has lasted six weeks and resulted in thousands of deaths. The agreement, brokered by Pakistan, was reached shortly before a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch massive attacks against Iranian infrastructure.

A primary condition of the ceasefire is the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime waterway. Iran’s foreign minister stated that the country’s military will coordinate the passage of vessels through the strait during the two-week period. MarineTraffic data indicates that at least two vessels had safely transited the strait following the announcement, though a significant backlog of ships remains trapped in the Persian Gulf.

Diplomatic Intervention and Deadlines

The ceasefire followed a last-minute diplomatic intervention led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who requested the two-week pause to allow diplomacy to run its course. The deal was finalized less than two hours before an 8 p.m. Eastern time deadline on April 7, which President Trump had set for the bombing of Iranian bridges and power plants.

Prior to the agreement, President Trump had posted on Truth Social, stating, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. Reports indicated that American B-52 bombers were en route to Iran before the ceasefire was announced.

Legal scholars, officials from various countries, and the pope had warned that the threatened attacks could constitute war crimes. Following the agreement, both the United States and Iran have characterized the deal as a victory for their respective nations.

Scope of the Agreement

While the ceasefire pauses the direct conflict between the U.S. And Iran, there is a discrepancy regarding the inclusion of Lebanon. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Lebanon is part of the ceasefire. However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Lebanon was not included in the deal.

The Israeli military announced on April 8, 2026, that it would continue intensified ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Next Steps and Negotiations

To build upon the provisional agreement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited delegations from both the United States and Iran to Islamabad for talks on Friday, April 11, 2026. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed through a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s office on April 8 that Iran will participate in these negotiations.

The expected U.S. Delegation includes:

• Vice President JD Vance
• Special envoy Steve Witkoff
• Jared Kushner

The ceasefire is intended to provide a window for diplomacy and work toward a permanent end to the attacks that have upended the global economy and triggered a historic oil crisis.