Fragile Iran-Israel Truce Emerges as Ceasefire Talks Move to Pakistan
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US President Donald Trump has announced a two-week suspension of US attacks on Iran, describing it as part of an interim truce effort and crediting Pakistan for facilitating the move.
The pause in military action is conditional on Tehran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the decision followed discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and came shortly before a deadline he had set for potential escalation. He also indicated that Iran had submitted a ten-point proposal which he believes could form the basis for further negotiations.
Reports from US, Israeli and Iranian media suggest that both Iran and Israel have accepted a two-week ceasefire proposal mediated by Pakistan. Iranian officials say the plan was approved by the country’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, while US officials indicate Israel has agreed to suspend its bombing campaign during talks.
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. I warmly welcome the… pic.twitter.com/wpTg1Ggxgh
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 8, 2026
Talks to be held in Pakistan
A first round of US-Iran negotiations is expected to take place in Islamabad on Friday, according to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. However, Tehran stressed that the ceasefire does not mark the end of the war, warning it would respond forcefully to any violations. Iran also said it would halt attacks on US-allied countries if strikes against it stop, while insisting on maintaining control over transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump, speaking to AFP, suggested China may have played a role in encouraging Iran to negotiate, and described the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory” for the United States.
Lebanon not covered by ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s support for the truce with Iran but clarified that it does not extend to operations in Lebanon, particularly against Hezbollah.
Despite the announcement, reports of ongoing strikes and military alerts have emerged across the region. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem, while missile threats triggered alerts in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the fragility of the situation.
