Back
World News

US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire; Regional Conflict and Disputed Terms Continue

Generated on: Last updated: 495 sources
View source

Ceasefire Between US and Iran Takes Effect, But Disputes Remain

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, took effect on April 8, 2026. The agreement aims to halt hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, and includes provisions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ceasefire is intended as a provisional measure to allow for further negotiations. However, its implementation has been challenged by disputes over its terms, continued fighting in Lebanon, and conflicting statements from involved parties.

Ceasefire Terms and Implementation

Announcement and Brokering

The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump less than two hours before a self-imposed deadline. The agreement was facilitated by Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir acting as key mediators. Pakistan has since invited US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad for further talks.

Core Commitments

According to official statements, the core terms of the ceasefire include:

  • A two-week pause in US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
  • Iran will permit the safe transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during this period.
  • Iran confirmed it would cease “defensive operations” against US assets as long as attacks on Iran are halted.

Disputed Provisions

Multiple aspects of the ceasefire have been the subject of conflicting interpretations:

  • Lebanon: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially stated the ceasefire included an immediate halt to hostilities “everywhere including Lebanon.” Iran also maintains that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an “inseparable part” of the deal. However, US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have stated Lebanon was not included. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, and Israeli military operations against Hezbollah have continued.

  • Strait of Hormuz: The US stated that Iran has agreed to keep the strait completely open. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated the waterway is “completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire” for commercial vessels, but that passage requires coordination with Iran’s armed forces. A senior Iranian military official said only non-military vessels would be allowed transit, and only with permission from the IRGC Navy. Following the announcement, the IRGC reimposed restrictions on the strait, citing the continued US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Military and Regional Actions

The War on Iran

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, with US and Israeli military action targeting Iran. Reports indicate that the war has resulted in significant casualties and damage across the region.

Casualty figures reported by various sources include over 3,000 deaths in Iran, more than 2,200 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states. The Human Rights Activists news agency (HRANA) has documented over 3,600 fatalities in Iran from US-Israeli strikes. The International Monetary Fund warned that the war could trigger a global recession.

Iran

Iranian state media reported that Tehran has submitted a proposal for a permanent peace deal. The proposal reportedly includes demands such as: ending the war on all fronts, lifting the US naval blockade, paying war reparations, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Nuclear talks regarding the status of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile have been deferred.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated it has no current plans to send a negotiating delegation to Pakistan while the US naval blockade remains in place.

Lebanon

On the day the ceasefire was announced, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes in Lebanon, which local authorities reported resulted in over 300 casualties. The IDF confirmed it launched its largest wave of strikes against Hezbollah targets since the conflict began.

Hezbollah has stated it will not abide by any agreements made during the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. Iranian officials have stated that progress in US-Iran talks is contingent on a ceasefire in Lebanon.

International Reactions

United States

Vice President JD Vance stated the US has not yet seen a “fundamental commitment of will” from Iran regarding its nuclear program. The Trump administration has emphasized that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in force. US envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the US proposal as its “final and best offer.”

Iran

Iranian officials have stated they are not in a hurry to negotiate and that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not change unless the US agrees to a “reasonable deal.” The US has listed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a primary demand for ending the conflict.

Allies and Mediators

  • Pakistan has urged both sides to uphold the ceasefire.
  • France’s President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for de-escalation and restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Qatar announced the resumption of maritime navigation activities.
  • The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states.

Additional Developments

  • US and Iranian delegations held talks in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan. Reports indicate that discussions concluded without a formal agreement and are scheduled to continue.
  • Iran has allowed Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Israeli Defense Forces have carried out strikes in Lebanon, stating they are not covered by the truce with Iran.
  • The US military confirmed it has enforced a blockade of Iranian ports.