Washington, Islamabad – In a dramatic shift that ended breathless global anticipation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the suspension of all military operations and airstrikes against Iran for two weeks, replacing the language of “threat and destruction” with a conditional opportunity for negotiation, following intensive Pakistani mediation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Gateway to Peace: “Hormuz” in Exchange for the Truce
The decision by Donald Trump was not a “blank check,” but was tied to a fundamental and decisive condition: the “full, immediate, and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.” Donald Trump explained via his platform “Truth Social” that this suspension represents a ceasefire from both sides, noting that Washington had received a 10-point Iranian proposal he described as a “workable basis for negotiation.”
Behind the Scenes of Pakistani Mediation
Islamabad played the role of “firefighter” in the final moments before escalation, as diplomatic pressure exerted by Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir succeeded in convincing Donald Trump to extend the deadline that had been set to expire at midnight Tuesday.
Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that efforts toward a peaceful settlement are progressing “steadily and strongly,” calling on Iran to open the global energy artery (the Strait of Hormuz) for two weeks as a gesture of mutual goodwill to allow diplomacy to craft a permanent end to the war.
Points of Agreement: Is Long-Term Peace Near?
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed unprecedented optimism, confirming that nearly all previous points of disagreement between Washington and Tehran had been resolved. Donald Trump said: “We have made great progress toward reaching a final agreement on a long-term peace,” indicating that the Iranian 10-point proposal may be the “lifeline” preventing a full-scale confrontation, which Donald Trump had previously warned could lead to the “death of an entire civilization.”
Field Summary of the Truce:
- Duration: 14 days starting Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
- U.S. Condition: Immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and securing international navigation.
- Political Track: Initiating discussions on the 10-point Iranian proposal.
- Final Goal: Formulating a “historic peace” agreement to end the ongoing conflict in the region.
