Ceasefire Agreement between the U.S. and Iran
On April 8, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a tentative ceasefire with Iran, following a statement from Tehran that pledged to stop military actions and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This statement was given by Iran’s Minister of Public Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, shortly after Trump set an 8:00 p.m. ET deadline.
Araghchi expressed gratitude towards Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts to bring an end to the regional conflict. Two weeks of negotiations will now take place to finalize a peace plan. The U.S. is advocating for a 15-point proposal, while Iran proposed a 10-point framework, which Trump accepted.
Araghchi noted that if attacks on Iran cease, their armed forces would also stop defensive actions. He indicated that, for the next two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be coordinated with Iranian military officials.
The Iranian official credited communications from Sharif as influential in achieving the ceasefire. In a post on X, Sharif announced that both nations, alongside their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire that would apply everywhere, including Lebanon.
This agreement emerged in response to Trump’s Easter Sunday ultimatum demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face severe repercussions. The Strait is critical as it handles a significant portion of the world’s oil supply.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have continued in Lebanon, targeting areas associated with Hezbollah. More than 1,500 casualties have been reported since Israel initiated strikes in early March. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.
Even amidst ongoing military actions, Sharif called for all parties to respect the newly established ceasefire and exercise restraint. Trump, on his part, expressed optimism about the ceasefire, describing it as a significant day for world peace. He mentioned U.S. support for easing traffic through the Strait, predicting economic benefits for both nations and expressing confidence in the situation’s resolution.
