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US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating strikes on its civilian infrastructure.
People gather after a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war was announced, in Tehran. (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 8, 2026 07:07 IST
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday stepped back from the brink of a major escalation with Iran, pulling back threats of devastating strikes just hours before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to concede. He agreed to a two-week ceasefire, opening a diplomatic window to de-escalate the 40-day conflict and Tehran also accepted the truce and agreed to conditionally reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said the US would hold off on targeting Iranian bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure, following what he described as a “workable” 10-point peace proposal put forward by Iran. Further talks aimed at securing a long-term peace in the Middle East are scheduled to take place between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad on Friday, April 10.
Even as diplomatic efforts gathered pace, uncertainty and violence persisted on the ground. While Iran confirmed its acceptance of the ceasefire framework, missile alerts continued to be reported across the Gulf. The Israeli military also said it was still carrying out strikes on Iran, despite the White House stating that Israel had agreed to the ceasefire.
"I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump announced.
“If attacks on Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations,” Iran said, adding it is considering the US request for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal, along with Washington’s acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan as a framework for talks.
For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations, Tehran added.
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Published On:
Apr 8, 2026 07:06 IST
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