After weeks of escalating tension in the Middle East, the United States and Iran have finally agreed to a two-week ceasefire, offering a tentative end to over a month of conflict. The announcement marks a significant, if fragile, step towards stability in a region long plagued by military confrontations.
The agreement follows an ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, who demanded that Iran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. Eastern Time on 7 April. Failure to comply, he warned via the social media platform Truth Social, could prompt a “civilisational catastrophe” in Iran, a statement that spread fear and anxiety among the Iranian populace, reportedly keeping many awake through the night.
Just minutes before the ultimatum expired, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif confirmed that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire. “I am humbled to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States, and their allies—including Lebanon—have agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities,” he stated. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement and urged both sides to adhere strictly to international law while pursuing long-term peace in the region.
Following the announcement, both Tehran and Washington claimed victory, with Israel expressing support for the US decision. The ceasefire negotiations centred on ten key conditions proposed by Iran and fifteen proposals presented earlier by President Trump. The details of the agreed terms have now emerged.
Iran’s Ten Conditions
According to official Iranian sources, the ten conditions submitted via Pakistan include guarantees of no further US attacks, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, approval for nuclear enrichment, the lifting of all direct and indirect sanctions, and the withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East. The conditions also call for halting military operations in Lebanon and compensation for Iran.
| Condition No. | Iran’s Ceasefire Conditions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Guarantee of no further attacks on Iran |
| 2 | Continued Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz |
| 3 | Permission for nuclear enrichment in Iran |
| 4 | Lifting all direct sanctions |
| 5 | Lifting all indirect sanctions |
| 6 | Reversal of all UN Security Council resolutions against Iran |
| 7 | Cancellation of International Atomic Energy Agency proposals |
| 8 | Compensation to Iran |
| 9 | Withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East |
| 10 | Cease all military activity in Lebanon and other fronts |
US President Trump has acknowledged these conditions and confirmed that the parties have agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons. However, specific details regarding the management of Iran’s enriched uranium remain undisclosed. China reportedly played a facilitating role in persuading Iran to accept the ceasefire.
Trump’s Fifteen-Point Proposal
Earlier in March, Trump presented a fifteen-point plan for peace via Pakistan, which included controlling Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear programme, alongside keeping the Strait of Hormuz accessible. Tehran initially rejected the plan, calling it excessive.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for 10 April in Islamabad, Pakistan, where representatives from both nations will discuss a final agreement to resolve the conflict. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed optimism that the talks would restore lasting peace and stability to the Middle East. Analysts caution, however, that previous negotiations have faltered over disagreements, often escalating into renewed military tensions.
The Iran-US ceasefire, though provisional, signals an important diplomatic breakthrough, with the potential to stabilise a volatile region and open channels for more comprehensive peace negotiations.