JUST IN: Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi Issues Statement Confirming 2-Week Ceasefire with US and Israel – Thanks Pakistan Mediators, Conditions Halt to Attacks and Safe Hormuz Passage
By Reflecto News Desk
April 8, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has released a formal statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, confirming the country’s acceptance of a two-week ceasefire with the United States and Israel. The move follows intense diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and comes less than two hours before a self-imposed U.S. deadline set by President Donald Trump.
In the statement, Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistani leaders for their mediation and outlined the conditions under which Iran will implement the truce.
Full Text of Araghchi’s Statement (as released):
“On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region.
In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council:
If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (file image).
Key Elements of the Ceasefire Framework
- Conditional Cessation of Operations: Iran will stop defensive military actions only if all attacks against it cease.
- Strait of Hormuz: Safe passage for shipping will be facilitated for two weeks under coordination with Iranian forces, taking technical limitations into account. This addresses a core U.S. demand that had threatened global energy supplies.
- Negotiations: Talks based on a combination of the U.S. 15-point proposal and the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal will begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Caveat from Iran: Officials have stressed that the two-week pause “does not signify the termination of the war” and serves only as a window for broader negotiations.
President Trump had earlier announced he would suspend planned U.S. strikes for the two-week period, provided Iran ensures the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has also indicated acceptance of the terms, though it continues separate operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Map of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil trade now set for conditional reopening.
Diplomatic Breakthrough and Remaining Risks
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir played a central mediating role, with both sides crediting their efforts for bridging gaps after earlier failures on a longer 45-day ceasefire.
The agreement marks the first formal pause in direct U.S./Israel–Iran hostilities since the conflict escalated dramatically in late February 2026. However, analysts warn the truce remains fragile. Any perceived violation could lead to rapid resumption of strikes.
Markets are expected to react with relief in the short term, particularly energy prices, as the risk of prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20-30% of global seaborne oil normally passes — eases.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring compliance with the ceasefire, the start of negotiations in Islamabad, developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and any statements from Washington, Jerusalem, or Tehran. For verified, timely updates on the Middle East conflict, ceasefire implementation, and global energy implications, bookmark Reflecto News and follow our dedicated coverage.