US, Iran, and Israel Agree to Fragile Two Week Ceasefire
- Michael "Richard" MacGregor
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read

Washington, April 8, 2026 — President Donald Trump announced a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday evening, just hours before a self-imposed U.S. deadline that threatened widespread strikes on Iranian targets.
The deal, mediated by Pakistan, requires the United States and Israel to suspend attacks on Iran in exchange for Tehran allowing the immediate, safe, and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital chokepoint for roughly one fifth of global oil shipments. Iran will coordinate shipping passage through its armed forces during the pause.
Trump described the agreement as a total and complete victory, saying U.S. military objectives had been met and exceeded. He noted that Iran submitted a 10-point proposal, which he called a workable basis for negotiations toward a longer-term peace deal.
Key Elements of Iran’s 10 Point Proposal
Iran’s plan, presented as a framework for talks, includes the following major demands:
A U.S. commitment to non-aggression against Iran and its allies.
Withdrawal of all U.S. combat forces from bases in the Middle East region.
Acceptance of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment for its nuclear program.
Lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions on Iran, plus release of frozen Iranian assets.
Full compensation and payments for war damages and reconstruction costs to Iran.
Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz (with possible shared fees with Oman on transiting ships).
Cessation of all attacks on Iran, as well as on its regional allies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
Termination of relevant UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions targeting Iran.
The U.S. has not committed to accepting the full list and is treating it as a starting point for upcoming negotiations, expected to begin soon (possibly this weekend in Islamabad). Vice President JD Vance is reportedly leading the U.S. side in some reports.
Both sides have claimed success in the short term deal, but the truce is already facing challenges. Israel continues airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, actions that Netanyahu and the White House say are not covered by the ceasefire with Iran. Iran has accused the U.S. and Israel of violating the agreement’s spirit and has raised concerns about continued attacks.
The two-week window is meant to allow direct talks aimed at a more permanent accord. Global oil prices dropped sharply following the announcement as fears of prolonged disruption eased, though shipping traffic through the strait remains limited amid ongoing tensions.
The situation remains highly fragile, with compliance especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz under close watch. Any major violation could quickly unravel the pause. With Israel being the loser of this cease fire, it is likely they will attempt to break it.
Some analysts view the agreement, particularly Iran’s ability to negotiate from a position that includes demands for U.S. military withdrawal and sanctions relief, as a potential sign of eroding U.S. hegemony in the Middle East, highlighting the limits of American power projection in the face of determined regional resistance and shifting global dynamics.




Comments