Iran Announces Two-Week Opening of Strait of Hormuz Under Military Management in Provisional Ceasefire with US
Iran's foreign minister has declared that passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will be permitted for the next two weeks under Iranian military management, as part of a provisional ceasefire agreement with the United States. This announcement follows a dramatic pullback by former US President Donald Trump from his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iranian infrastructure, just hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to capitulate.
Trump Halts Threats as Ceasefire Conditions Are Met
Donald Trump stated he was holding off on threatened attacks on Iranian bridges, power plants, and other civilian targets, subject to Tehran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is crucial for global oil shipments, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passing through it during peacetime. In response, Iran's Supreme National Security Council conditionally accepted the two-week ceasefire, provided attacks against Iran are halted.
Details of the Provisional Agreement and Upcoming Talks
Iranian state media reported that negotiations with the US will be held in Islamabad to finalize details of the agreement, aiming to "confirm Iran's battlefield achievements." Talks are scheduled to begin on Friday, 10 April 2026, and may be extended, but state media emphasized that these discussions do not signify the end of the war. Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shebaz Sharif, announced that Iran, the US, and their allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon, and has invited delegations to Islamabad for further negotiations.
Iran's 10-Point Peace Plan and Key Demands
Trump described Iran's proposal as a "workable" 10-point peace plan. According to Iranian state media, this plan includes several conditions previously rejected by the US:
- Controlled transit through the Strait of Hormuz coordinated with Iranian armed forces.
- Withdrawal of all US forces from regional bases.
- Lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions against Iran.
- Payment of full compensation to Iran and release of all frozen Iranian assets.
- US acceptance of Iran's uranium enrichment program, a previous red line for the Trump administration.
Global Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
Following the ceasefire announcement, oil prices plunged and stocks jumped globally, reflecting market relief. However, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Israel, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce. The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for high-stakes talks in Islamabad, with the international community closely monitoring developments in this critical Middle East crisis.
