US President Donald Trump has announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, agreeing to suspend all attacks after intense diplomatic pressure. The temporary truce comes following Pakistan’s mediation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally requesting a pause to give diplomacy a chance. The ceasefire will take effect once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, a crucial route for global oil shipments. Iran says negotiations are set to begin in Islamabad on April 10, outlining a 10-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clarified that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire, as strikes in the south continue amid heightened tensions. The announcement immediately sent oil prices tumbling, as markets reacted to the reduced risk of escalation in the region. Analysts caution, however, that while the ceasefire brings temporary relief, deep disagreements over sanctions and regional security remain, leaving the situation fragile.
This development marks a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a crisis that has drawn global attention, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a key backchannel in easing tensions between the US and Iran.
