EXPLAINERThe US and Iran agree to a two-week truce on Tuesday, just an hour before Trump’s deadline to escalate the conflict expired. Published On 8 Apr 20268 Apr 2026Iran says it has accepted a two-week ceasefire, with talks set to begin on Friday in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, after United States President Donald Trump agreed to suspend attacks on the condition that Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz.Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi said safe passage through the strategic waterway will be ensured for two weeks through coordination with the country’s armed forces.Trump’s move followed a request from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged Washington to extend its deadline for a deal and called on Iran to reopen the strait.In Iran:
US, Iran, Israel agree to last-minute ceasefire: The US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week truce on Tuesday, just an hour before Trump’s deadline to escalate the conflict expired. Tehran agreed to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the White House confirmed Israel’s participation. The breakthrough followed talks with Pakistan’s leadership, which had pushed for a ceasefire.
Hormuz terms under ceasefire: Under the agreement, safe passage will be coordinated, with Iran and Oman allowed to charge transit fees on passing ships. Tehran plans to use the revenue for post-war reconstruction.
Ten-point peace plan: Talks are set to begin on Friday in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan’s prime minister. Tehran’s proposal includes lifting sanctions, creating a war-loss fund, a potential US troop withdrawal from the Gulf, and recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium in exchange for a pledge not to build nuclear weapons. It is unclear whether the US has agreed to any of these proposals.
Tehran synagogue struck: The Israeli military accepted that an overnight strike – which it said was targeting a senior Iranian commander – caused “collateral damage” to a synagogue in Tehran, expressing regret over the incident.
Tehran leaders project strength: Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall reported from Tehran a “feeling of pride among the leaders”, who are telling the public that “this war is ending on Iran’s terms”.
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Trump says China helped bring Iran to talks: Donald Trump told AFP he believed China played a role in pushing Iran to negotiate the two-week ceasefire. “I hear yes,” he said when asked whether Beijing was involved in bringing its ally Tehran to the table.
NATO chief to meet Trump in Washington: Mark Rutte is set to meet Trump on Wednesday, with discussions expected to focus on the Iran sit …