April 8, 2026
ISLAMABAD – In a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, effective immediately, following urgent mediation efforts by Pakistan.
US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on his Truth Social platform, just 90 minutes before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face widespread attacks. “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran… I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump stated, calling it a “double sided CEASEFIRE”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the development, announcing that delegations from both countries will hold final negotiations in Islamabad starting Friday, April 10. Pakistan’s role as a central intermediary was critical, with its leadership engaging directly with US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials to bridge the gap.
As part of the agreement, Iran has agreed to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil passes, for safe passage over the next two weeks. The reopening has already triggered a sharp drop in global oil prices, with WTI crude falling over 13% to below $100 a barrel.
For Pakistani consumers, this development offers hope for stabilization after weeks of record-high fuel prices. While current petrol and diesel rates remain at Rs 378 and Rs 520 per litre respectively, the government may review prices if the ceasefire holds and global markets continue to ease.
However, the situation remains fragile. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated the ceasefire “does not mean the end of the war”. Missile alerts were reported in Israel and Gulf countries shortly after the announcement, underscoring continued tensions.