The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Al Jazeera has reported that the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, halting 40 days of US-Israeli attacks that had pushed the region to the brink of a wider war, while Tehran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The truce, brokered by Pakistan, follows intense exchanges
of air strikes, missile attacks, and escalating threats that disrupted global
shipping routes and heightened fears of prolonged conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the agreement,
saying both sides had shown “remarkable wisdom” and remained engaged in
advancing peace and stability. Iran also confirmed it would allow shipping to
resume through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period, easing pressure
on global oil and gas markets.
Under the agreement, the United States will halt military
strikes on Iran for two weeks, stating its objectives have been met. President Donald
Trump said Washington had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it
as a workable basis for negotiations.
According to reports, the proposal includes non-aggression
commitments, sanctions relief, acceptance of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program,
withdrawal of US forces from the region, and compensation for war damages.
However, Washington has not publicly confirmed key elements such as lifting
sanctions or withdrawing troops.
Trump also stated that Iran’s nuclear stockpile would be
addressed in any final agreement, while warning that failure in negotiations
could lead to a resumption of hostilities.
Iran has agreed to pause its retaliatory attacks on the
condition that US and Israeli strikes stop. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
said Iran’s armed forces would cease operations if attacks against the country
end.
Tehran also confirmed it would coordinate the reopening of
the Strait of Hormuz with its military and allow controlled passage of ships.
Reports indicate Iran may impose transit fees to support postwar
reconstruction.
Iran maintains that its missile program is non-negotiable
and insists its nuclear activities are peaceful, though it is open to limits in
exchange for sanctions relief.
Israel has endorsed the ceasefire with Iran, but Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement does not apply to its conflict
with Hezbollah or operations in southern Lebanon.
Israeli forces continued strikes in Lebanon, issuing
evacuation warnings in areas near Tyre. The conflict expanded after Hezbollah
launched attacks on Israel in response to earlier developments in the war.
Negotiations between US and Iranian officials are expected
to begin in Islamabad on April 10, 2026, under Pakistani mediation, to
determine whether the temporary ceasefire can be turned into a lasting
agreement.
Analysts say the talks could fail but note that the dynamics
have shifted, with both sides now under pressure to reach a compromise rather
than escalate further.
