Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 8: US President Donald Trump announced a sudden two-week ceasefire with Iran, stepping back from imminent military escalation just hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The truce is conditional on Iran restoring safe passage for oil and gas shipments through the waterway, which carries nearly 20% of global oil trade. Iran signalled compliance, with foreign minister Abbas Araqchi stating that counter-attacks would be halted.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a mediating role, confirmed that US and Iranian officials are set to hold talks in Islamabad. He added that the ceasefire extends across the region, including Lebanon, though there was no immediate confirmation from Israel.
The announcement came amid ongoing missile exchanges and heightened fears of a wider regional war. Iran’s leadership reportedly ordered a halt to military operations, although analysts cautioned that its decentralised command structure could delay full compliance on the ground.
The conflict, now in its sixth week, has resulted in over 5,000 deaths across multiple countries, including significant civilian casualties in Iran. The temporary closure of the Hormuz Strait had already disrupted global oil supplies, pushing prices higher and raising concerns about a broader economic slowdown.
Financial markets responded quickly to the ceasefire news, with US stock futures rising and crude oil prices falling sharply.
Earlier in the day, Trump had issued stark warnings of large-scale destruction if Iran failed to meet his demands, triggering global concern and criticism. Despite that rhetoric, both sides moved toward de-escalation as negotiations gained momentum.
The United States and its allies had intensified strikes on key Iranian infrastructure ahead of the deadline, targeting transport links and energy facilities. However, Washington indicated that recent military objectives had been achieved, paving the way for a pause and renewed diplomatic efforts.
The ceasefire also comes against the backdrop of domestic pressure in the US, with public opinion largely opposing the conflict and political stakes rising ahead of upcoming elections.