JUST IN: Iran Officially Accepts 2-Week Ceasefire with US and Israel, Subject to Halt in Attacks and Reopening of Strait of Hormuz
By Reflecto News Desk
April 8, 2026
Iran has officially accepted a two-week ceasefire proposal with the United States and Israel, marking a significant de-escalation in the intense conflict that began in late February 2026. The announcement comes just hours before a deadline set by President Donald Trump, who had threatened severe consequences if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the acceptance, stating it was approved by the new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The ceasefire is conditional on a complete halt to attacks against Iran. Iran’s armed forces will coordinate safe passage for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week period.
President Donald Trump (file image).
Key Terms of the Ceasefire
- Duration: Two weeks, with negotiations scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran has agreed to facilitate safe and regulated passage for oil and gas shipping, addressing a central U.S. demand that had threatened global energy markets.
- Scope: The deal applies to direct U.S.-Iran and Israel-Iran hostilities. It does not cover Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- Caveats: Iranian officials emphasized that the ceasefire “does not signify the termination of the war” and serves as a temporary window for talks on a more comprehensive agreement.
President Trump announced he would suspend planned U.S. strikes for the two-week period, subject to Iran’s compliance on the strait. A White House official confirmed that Israel has also agreed to the terms.
Map highlighting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade.
Background and Path to the Deal
The agreement follows weeks of intense military exchanges under Operation Epic Fury, including U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military, nuclear-related, and energy infrastructure, as well as Iranian retaliatory attacks on Gulf targets. Earlier attempts at a longer 45-day ceasefire had failed, with Iran insisting on stronger guarantees and a path to a permanent resolution.
Pakistan played a key mediating role, with officials facilitating the latest proposal. The timing is notable: the deal was reached less than two hours before Trump’s self-imposed deadline for reopening the strait, after which he had warned of devastating consequences.
Reactions and What Comes Next
- Iran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the pause while stressing that attacks must fully stop for the ceasefire to hold. Tehran framed the acceptance as a responsible step to protect regional stability.
- United States: Trump described the development as a positive outcome of pressure and diplomacy, pulling back from immediate escalation.
- Israel: Officials backed the U.S.-Iran ceasefire but made clear that operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue independently.
Analysts caution that the two-week window is fragile. Negotiations in Islamabad are expected to address broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, regional proxies, and long-term security arrangements. Any violation could quickly unravel the pause.
Markets are expected to react positively in the short term due to reduced immediate risk to energy shipping, though volatility remains high given the temporary nature of the deal and ongoing fighting in Lebanon.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring this rapidly evolving situation for updates on the start date of the ceasefire, developments in Islamabad talks, compliance with the Strait of Hormuz reopening, and any incidents that could undermine the agreement. For accurate, timely coverage of the Middle East conflict, ceasefire negotiations, and global energy implications, bookmark Reflecto News and follow our dedicated section.