What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran

April 8, 2026

Following threats from President Trump that Iran's civilization could end "tonight," the US and Iran have reached a conditional two-week ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan's Prime Minister. The deal allows shipping to resume through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had closed, while the US suspends its military strikes that began over a month ago with coordinated US-Israeli attacks. Iran has presented a comprehensive 10-point plan demanding sanctions relief, asset releases, reconstruction compensation, and ceasefire extensions to Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, while pledging not to pursue nuclear weapons.

Who is affected

Iran and its civilian population
United States and its military forces
Israel and its citizens (sirens sounded, missiles intercepted)
Pakistan (mediator through Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif)
Hezbollah (Iranian-backed group in Lebanon)
Lebanon and its population
Kuwait (experiencing Iranian drone attacks on infrastructure)
Countries in the Gulf region dependent on Strait of Hormuz shipping
Commercial shipping companies and oil exporters
Countries supplying military weapons to Iran (facing 50% tariffs)
International community (France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, EU)

What action is being taken

The US is suspending bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks
Iran is allowing vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with passage coordinated by the Iranian military
Pakistan is mediating negotiations between the parties
Israel is continuing to conduct strikes in Lebanon's Tyre and Nabatieh areas
Israel Defense Forces are intercepting missiles launched from Iran
The US is working with Iran on tariff and sanctions relief discussions
The US is imposing immediate 50% tariffs on goods from countries supplying military weapons to Iran
Iran is conducting drone attacks on Kuwait (28 drones reported)

Why it matters

This ceasefire represents a critical de-escalation in a potentially catastrophic conflict that threatened regional stability and global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital shipping routes for petroleum exports. The situation had reached an extremely dangerous threshold, with the US President threatening complete destruction of Iranian civilization, prompting condemnation from international leaders including the UN Secretary General and Pope. The conflict's expansion across multiple countries (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen) and involvement of both state and non-state actors like Hezbollah demonstrates how quickly regional tensions can escalate into broader warfare with global economic consequences.

What's next

Pakistan has invited delegations to meet in Islamabad on Friday to negotiate a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes. The White House acknowledges ongoing discussions about in-person talks but states nothing is final until announced by the President or White House.

Read full article from source: BBC