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Hours before a self-imposed deadline to launch what he described as devastating strikes on Iranian infrastructure, President Donald Trump pulled back. He announced a two-week conditional ceasefire. The bombing would pause. The Strait of Hormuz would reopen. And the two sides that have spent more than five weeks at war would sit across a table in Islamabad this Friday to figure out if there is anything resembling a path forward.

This is the most significant development in the 2026 Iran war since it began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian military and government sites. What has followed is a conflict that has disrupted global oil markets, closed one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, drawn condemnation from the United Nations and the Pope, and left both sides claiming, on the same day, that they have won.

How the US-Iran Ceasefire Came Together

US and Iran agree 2 week ceasefire after Iran present a plan, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/QJcuqPonsE

— Patriotic Nation (@HoodedClaw1974) April 8, 2026

The deal was brokered by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Trump to hold off on the planned strikes and asked Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture. Both sides said yes. Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, framing the pause as a position of strength. “We have already met and exceeded all military objectives,” he wrote, adding that a 10-point proposal from Iran was “a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s acceptance. He said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible during the two weeks, coordinated with Iran’s armed forces. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a longer statement declaring victory and laying out what it says the 10-point plan contains. That list is significant. It includes the complete cessation of war in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. It demands the lifting of all sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and full compensation for reconstruction costs. The plan also states that Iran commits to not seeking nuclear weapons. “Iran’s victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations,” the Council said.

The two sides are not describing the same deal. That is already a problem.

Where Israel Stands on the US-Iran Ceasefire

Prime Minister’s Office:

Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 8, 2026

Israel’s position is the most complicated piece of this agreement. Shortly after Trump’s announcement, sirens sounded across Israel. The IDF intercepted missiles launched from Iran. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem. The ceasefire, it seems, did not begin cleanly on all fronts.

Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying Israel supports Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran. But he was specific about what that support covers. “The ceasefire does not include Lebanon,” the statement said clearly. Israel has ground troops in Lebanon and has been fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah there throughout the conflict. Netanyahu says Israel will not leave until the threat from Hezbollah is removed. Pakistan’s Prime Minister said the ceasefire applies in Lebanon too. Israel has not agreed to that. These are not minor interpretive differences. They are fundamental contradictions embedded in the deal from day one.

What Happens Next

Peace talks are expected in Islamabad on Friday. Pakistan has invited delegations from both sides. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly likely to lead the American team. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was careful in her language. “There are discussions about in-person talks,” she said, “but nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House.”

The economic relief has already arrived. Oil prices dropped as much as 16% following the announcement. S&P 500 futures rose more than 1%. Markets had spent the day in a state of quiet dread. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply. Its closure since the early weeks of the conflict has been described as the world’s largest supply disruption since the 1970s energy crisis. Getting ships moving again matters enormously to the global economy, whatever happens politically.

But the politics are genuinely difficult. The US and Iran have held two rounds of talks in the past year. Both ended with military escalation rather than progress. Iran’s 10-point plan contains demands that the US has not agreed to. This clearly presents a problem, especially as the US framing of what was conceded is different from Iran’s. And the Lebanon question remains entirely unresolved. Two weeks is a short window.

The distance between where both sides are publicly positioned and where a durable agreement would require them to be is significant. Whether this ceasefire holds long enough to find out if that gap can be closed is the question the world is now watching.

Featured image: Getty Images

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