Trump Announces Two-Week Ceasefire with Iran Amid Escalating Tensions
US President Donald Trump has declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran, just hours before a deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes amid escalating tensions and threats of devastating attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure.
Abrupt Shift in Stance
Earlier in the day, Trump issued a stark warning, stating that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if his demands were not met. The ceasefire was facilitated by Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played crucial roles in mediating the agreement. Sharif announced on social media that he had invited delegations from both Iran and the US to meet in Islamabad on Friday.
The ceasefire is contingent upon Iran agreeing to halt its blockade of oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil trade.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Tehran would cease counterattacks and ensure safe passage through the strait if hostilities against it were halted.
Statements from Leaders
Trump characterized the ceasefire as a “double-sided CEASEFIRE,” emphasizing that the US had met its military objectives and was progressing towards a long-term peace agreement with Iran. He described the day as a “big day for World Peace,” asserting that both Iran and the international community were ready for a resolution.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council viewed the ceasefire as a victory, claiming that Trump had accepted its conditions for ending hostilities. Trump, in a statement to the French news agency AFP, proclaimed it a “total and complete victory,” reinforcing his stance that the ceasefire represented a significant diplomatic achievement.
Humanitarian Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The ongoing conflict, which has now entered its sixth week, has resulted in over 5,000 fatalities across nearly a dozen countries, including more than 1,600 civilian deaths in Iran, according to various reports from government sources and human rights organizations.
Despite the ceasefire, concerns remain regarding its durability. A source familiar with the negotiations expressed skepticism, suggesting that the US side believed Iran might be attempting to buy time. This ceasefire is viewed as a “trust-building exercise.”
Regional Reactions
Israel has expressed support for the temporary suspension of strikes against Iran, as confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. However, the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, contradicting earlier statements from Sharif regarding a cessation of Israeli operations in the region.
Reports from Lebanon indicate that Israeli strikes continue, including artillery shelling and airstrikes that have resulted in civilian casualties. The Israeli military reported missile launches from Iran shortly after Trump’s announcement, leading to alerts and activated air defenses in Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Military Developments
In the wake of the ceasefire announcement, Israeli forces reportedly targeted launch sites in Iran. Trump indicated that progress in negotiations had prompted the ceasefire, stating that Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal as a “workable basis” for further discussions. He anticipated that an agreement could be finalized during the two-week period.
Market reactions were positive, with oil prices dropping and stocks rising in Asian trade, driven by optimism that trade through the Strait of Hormuz could resume.
Global Responses
Global leaders welcomed the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a resolution to prevent further economic and humanitarian crises. The Australian government noted that the prolonged conflict would have significant repercussions on the global economy and human welfare.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s decision to agree to the ceasefire reflects an understanding of the war’s unpopularity in the United States and the necessity for a strategic withdrawal. Jessica Genauer, an academic director at the Public Policy Institute at Australia’s University of New South Wales, remarked that Trump appears to be seeking a way to de-escalate tensions while framing it as a victory for the US.
Conclusion
Trump’s announcement capped a tumultuous day marked by his earlier threats to target Iranian infrastructure unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. This approach raised alarms among world leaders and financial markets, drawing criticism from various quarters, including the United Nations.
The closure of the Strait has significantly impacted oil prices, raising concerns about a potential global economic downturn. The US Energy Information Administration warned that fuel prices could continue to rise even after the strait’s reopening.
As the US midterm elections approach, Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted, with many Americans expressing opposition to the war and frustration over rising gasoline prices. As the deadline approached, US and Israeli military actions intensified, targeting critical infrastructure in Iran.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-04-08 02:42:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk