Iran and U.S have agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire in their escalating war, marking the first major diplomatic breakthrough since hostilities erupted in February involving U.S. and Israeli forces.
The deal, announced Tuesday, includes the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a critical global transit chokepoint — easing fears of a wider economic and security crisis. It will be managed by both Iran and Oman.
Donald Trump initially indicated that Tehran had proposed a “workable” 10-point peace framework capable of ending the conflict. However, he later dismissed the same proposal as “fraudulent,” without providing further details, exposing lingering distrust between the two sides.
Neither Washington nor Tehran has confirmed when the ceasefire will formally take effect.
In a significant shift, Trump signaled a pullback from earlier threats to escalate military action. Just hours before the ceasefire announcement, he had issued one of his starkest warnings yet, cautioning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to accept terms — rhetoric that drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, United Nations officials, and legal experts.
Hos threats drew condemnation from world leaders including Pope Leo who urged a return to dialogue.
Critics argued such threats risk violating international humanitarian law, particularly obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.
New Twist: Hormuz Transit Fees Introduced
Under the ceasefire arrangement, Iran and Oman are expected to begin charging transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz — a historic shift for what has long been treated as an waterway.
The move could redefine maritime norms and has already sparked concern among global shipping and energy markets.
UN Urges Compliance, Warns on Civilian Protection
António Guterres called on all parties to fully respect the ceasefire terms, stressing the urgent need to prevent further civilian suffering.
“The secretary-general underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
The UN also reaffirmed that all sides must adhere to international law, particularly regarding the protection of non-combatants.
Nuclear Dispute Still a Flashpoint
Tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear program. A Farsi-language version of Tehran’s ceasefire proposal reportedly included a clause on the “acceptance of enrichment,” a phrase notably absent from versions shared with international media.
This omission underscores the central sticking point in negotiations, as Trump has insisted on the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Pakistan Steps In as Mediator
Shehbaz Sharif announced that Islamabad played a key role in brokering the ceasefire, describing it as “effective immediately” and extending beyond Iran to include theatres such as Lebanon.
Sharif invited delegations from both sides to Pakistan for high-level talks scheduled for April 10, aimed at securing a comprehensive and lasting settlement.
“We earnestly hope the Islamabad Talks succeed in achieving sustainable peace,” he said.
High-Stakes Pause
While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve, analysts warn it remains highly fragile, with unresolved disputes over nuclear policy, regional influence, and new maritime controls threatening to derail progress.
For now, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the planned Islamabad talks represent a narrow diplomatic window to prevent a broader regional war.
