ASIATODAY.ID, TEHRAN — In a dramatic and unexpected shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, just hours after issuing a stark ultimatum.
The surprise deal has raised cautious hopes for de-escalation—while simultaneously exposing deep fractures among key allies, as Israel continues its military operations despite the truce announcement.
The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, is set to take immediate effect and is expected to cover multiple conflict zones, including Lebanon. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as a critical first step toward ending a war that has raged since February 28, 2026.
Sudden Deal Amid Escalating Threats
The agreement comes amid rapidly escalating tensions. Only hours before the announcement, Trump had warned of intensified military action against Iran. Yet Washington abruptly shifted course, agreeing to suspend further strikes—including attacks on civilian infrastructure—in exchange for a major concession: Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway, vital to global energy flows, had been effectively blocked by Tehran, raising fears of a worldwide economic shock. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the strait would be reopened and secured by Iranian forces to ensure safe navigation.
At the core of the ceasefire lies a 10-point proposal put forward by Iran, which the United States has accepted as the basis for negotiations. The proposal includes:
– Full compensation for war-related damages
– Withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from the Middle East
– Lifting of all sanctions on Iran
Trump described the proposal as “a workable foundation” for broader peace talks.
Blindsided: “A Total Surprise”
The deal has stunned Israel, a key U.S. ally in the region. According to unnamed Israeli officials, the agreement came as a “total surprise,” with little to no prior consultation.
Notably, despite the ceasefire:
Israeli forces continue to carry out airstrikes inside Iran
Iran has launched retaliatory ballistic missile attacks
Operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon show no clear sign of stopping
These developments underscore the fragility of the agreement, raising doubts about its immediate effectiveness on the ground.
Competing Claims of Victory
Both Washington and Tehran have framed the ceasefire as a strategic win.
Iran has declared the deal a victory, arguing that the U.S. ultimately conceded to its demands.
Trump, meanwhile, claimed that American military objectives had been “met and exceeded,” paving the way for long-term peace.
“This will be a two-way ceasefire,” Trump stated, expressing confidence that the agreement could evolve into a broader and more permanent resolution.
A Fragile Path to Peace
Formal negotiations are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on April 10, 2026. However, skepticism remains high.
Behind the scenes, Israel is expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to pressure Washington into reconsidering the ceasefire. Meanwhile, ongoing military actions suggest that the war has not truly stopped—only paused.
The next two weeks may prove : a turning point toward peace, or merely a prelude to a wider and more dangerous conflict. (AT Network)
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