A sudden diplomatic opening emerged early Wednesday after weeks of military escalation in West Asia, with US President Donald Trump announcing a two-week pause in attacks on Iran and Tehran responding with its own conditional halt to military operations. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz has been placed at the centre of the arrangement, even as both sides continue to frame the move as a position of strength rather than retreat.
The pause, however, is not being presented as peace. Fresh Israeli strikes, regional alerts and competing claims of victory suggest the situation remains fragile despite the ceasefire window.
Iran war Live Updates | April 8
Iran claims ‘crushing defeat’ for US, Israel
Tehran has doubled down on its narrative, claiming the US and Israel suffered a “crushing defeat” during the 40-day conflict.
It said Washington had been seeking a ceasefire for weeks, but Iran continued operations until its objectives were met.
Tehran says ceasefire not end of war, negotiations key
Iran reiterated that the ceasefire does not signal the end of hostilities, but only a pause to negotiate the details of its 10-point framework.
It said talks in Islamabad, expected from April 10, will determine whether the war formally ends.
Iran issues fresh warning: ‘Our fingers on the trigger’
Even as the ceasefire takes hold, Iran has issued a sharp warning to the United States.
“Our hands are on the trigger… the slightest error will be responded to with full power,” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said.
Germany backs ceasefire, thanks Pakistan for mediation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the two-week pause and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the breakthrough.
He said the focus must now shift to negotiating a lasting end to the conflict, with coordination ongoing among international partners.
Ukraine says ‘American decisiveness works’, links to Russia war
Ukraine has welcomed the ceasefire, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying the development shows that “American decisiveness works”.
He added that similar pressure should now be applied on Russia to force a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Talks between US and Iran set for Islamabad
Negotiations are expected to move forward with talks scheduled in Islamabad.
The Iranian side will be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, while the US delegation is expected to be led by Vice-President JD Vance.
India flags impact on energy and global trade
The MEA noted that the conflict has already disrupted global energy supplies and trade networks.
It said India expects “unimpeded freedom of navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the route’s importance for global commerce.
India welcomes ceasefire, calls for lasting peace
The Ministry of External Affairs said it welcomes the ceasefire and hopes it leads to a durable resolution.
In a statement, the MEA emphasised that “de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” remain essential to end the conflict.
Advisory signals caution despite diplomatic pause
The move suggests New Delhi is treating the situation as unstable despite the two-week halt in hostilities.
The advisory comes just hours after the US and Iran agreed to suspend military operations, underlining continued concerns over ground-level risks.
India urges nationals to leave Iran despite ceasefire
India has issued a fresh advisory asking its citizens in Iran to leave the country “expeditiously”, even as the ceasefire comes into effect.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran said nationals should exit only through routes coordinated with the mission and warned against approaching land borders without prior clearance.
Lapid says Netanyahu ‘failed politically and strategically’
Lapid said while the military delivered on its objectives, Netanyahu had failed on the political front.
He warned that the fallout from the ceasefire could take years to repair in terms of Israel’s strategic position.
Israel opposition slams Netanyahu over ceasefire deal
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Israel was sidelined in the ceasefire process.
“There has never been such a political disaster… Israel wasn’t even at the table,” Lapid said.
Iran’s oil and Hormuz leverage seen as key gains
According to Akbar, Iran’s biggest gain lies in the easing of oil restrictions and its influence over the Strait of Hormuz.
He said control over the route, through which a large share of global energy flows, positions Iran as a major regional power going forward.
Akbar says Iran holds ‘advantage plus’ after ceasefire
Akbar argued that Iran has emerged with a strategic edge, calling the outcome “advantage plus”.
He said Tehran’s ability to retain its position and negotiate terms, despite pressure from the US and Israel, marks a significant shift in regional power balance.
MJ Akbar questions ceasefire without nuclear clarity
Former Union Minister MJ Akbar said any ceasefire that does not address Iran’s nuclear programme would raise serious questions.
“If you don't have agreement on that, then this is a hoax,” he said, adding that the war itself appeared “an exercise in political hysteria”.
‘Shooting may continue briefly despite ceasefire’: Fabian
Fabian also cautioned that violations or residual firing could continue in the immediate aftermath, citing the decentralised nature of Iranian military structures.
He said coordination challenges on the ground may delay full compliance in the early hours of the ceasefire.
Expert says Trump acknowledged Iran plan, but hasn’t agreed
Former diplomat KP Fabian said while Donald Trump has acknowledged Iran’s 10-point proposal, it does not mean Washington has accepted it.
He described the ceasefire as a “very important and good result”, but flagged that differences remain, particularly over key terms like Hormuz access and sanctions.
Religious leaders claim Iran ‘forced’ US, Israel to step back
Shia leaders in India have framed the ceasefire as a victory for Iran, claiming global powers were compelled to retreat.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas said “superpowers like America and Israel have been forced to bow”, while others praised the Iranian public for standing firm during the conflict.
UN chief welcomes ceasefire, urges compliance with international law
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire and called on all sides to adhere strictly to its terms.
He said ending hostilities is essential to “protect the lives of people and alleviate human suffering”, while urging all parties to comply with international law.
Guterres also confirmed that his envoy Jean Arnault is in the region to support efforts toward a lasting peace.
Trump pitches ‘Golden Age of the Middle East’
In a characteristic expansion of the moment, Trump said the region could be entering a “Golden Age”, pointing to reconstruction opportunities and economic activity following the ceasefire.
He said the US would support supply flows and stability efforts as the situation evolves.
US to assist in managing Hormuz traffic, says Trump
Trump said the United States would help manage the buildup of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz following weeks of disruption.
He added that Washington would remain engaged to ensure stability during the ceasefire window.
Trump calls ceasefire a ‘big day for world peace’
US President Donald Trump described the ceasefire moment as a turning point.
“A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen… so has everyone else!” he said in a post on Truth Social.
Call for peace beyond Iran, focus on Gaza and region
Anwar said the ceasefire should not remain limited to Iran, but extend to other conflict zones including Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.
He also called for an end to violence in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and urged the international community to ensure humanitarian access to civilians affected by the war.
Malaysia backs ceasefire, calls for wider regional peace
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the development, saying the Iran proposal “augurs well” for restoring peace and stability globally.
He stressed that negotiations must be conducted in “good faith”, warning that peace efforts would fail if marked by “deception and double-dealing”.
Global diplomacy push acknowledged; Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt named
Peters thanked countries including Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt for their role in trying to resolve the crisis, signalling a broader international push behind the ceasefire effort.
He said New Zealand would support all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in a “lasting, durable” manner.
New Zealand welcomes ceasefire, says ‘significant work’ still ahead
New Zealand has welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, but warned that the situation remains delicate.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the announcement was “encouraging”, but added that “significant important work” remains in the coming days to secure a lasting truce.
He also said the conflict had caused wide-ranging disruptions beyond the Middle East, including in the Pacific region, after speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
White House links ceasefire opening to Hormuz reopening
The administration also claimed credit for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been at the heart of the crisis.
Leavitt said Trump had “got the Strait of Hormuz reopened”, reinforcing Washington’s attempt to present the ceasefire window as a strategic gain.
US says military gains created diplomatic leverage
Leavitt said “Operation Epic Fury” had achieved and exceeded its core objectives in 38 days, ahead of the 4–6 week timeline Trump had initially envisioned.
According to the White House, those battlefield gains created the leverage that opened the door to negotiations and a possible longer-term peace arrangement.
White House says Iran strike pause is a ‘victory’ for US
The White House has framed the suspension of strikes not as a step back, but as a win produced by military pressure.
“This is a victory for the United States that President Trump and our incredible military made happen,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Trump spoke to Netanyahu to close ceasefire framework
A White House official has said US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalise the ceasefire framework with Iran.
The same official also said Trump had spoken with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir as the final shape of the pause was being worked out.
Ceasefire terms still unclear, narratives diverge
Experts highlighted that the US and Iranian versions of the ceasefire differ significantly.
While Washington frames it as a conditional pause tied to Hormuz access, Tehran has portrayed it as a broader strategic victory involving sanctions relief and regional concessions.
The gap between these narratives is likely to be a major sticking point in the upcoming negotiations.
‘From threats to deal’: Trump strategy under scrutiny
Analysts also pointed to the sharp shift in Donald Trump’s tone, from warning of destruction to announcing a ceasefire within hours.
Jonathan Schanzer said this reflected Trump’s negotiating style, where he moves from maximum pressure to rapid deal-making.
“You can go from threatening to annihilate a civilisation to making a deal within 15 hours,” he said, calling it “quintessential Donald Trump”.
Religious leaders in India hail Iran ‘victory’
Back home, reactions have begun to surface, with All India Shia Personal Law Board leader Maulana Yasoob Abbas congratulating Iran.
He said the United States and Israel had “lost” the war, adding, “On the 40th day, Iran has won… I congratulate everyone on Iran’s victory.”
Global push for diplomacy gains momentum
Australia also said it is working with partners including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to support diplomatic efforts.
It urged all sides to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life, while pushing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Canberra warns Hormuz disruption already hitting economy
In a joint statement, Australia said Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz had already triggered “unprecedented energy supply shocks”.
The government said rising oil and fuel prices underline how deeply the conflict is affecting global markets, even far from the region.
Australia welcomes ceasefire, flags global economic risks
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the two-week pause, calling it a step toward de-escalation.
“This is positive news… we want to see a resolution,” he said, warning that further escalation would have caused “greater global economic damage”.
Concerns over Hormuz compliance remain
A key uncertainty continues to be whether Iran will allow uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Schanzer said the bigger question is whether Tehran will permit “free flow of traffic” or attempt to impose restrictions or costs, warning that any disruption would quickly escalate tensions again.
Questions over Pakistan’s role in ceasefire talks
The role of Pakistan in brokering the ceasefire has raised eyebrows among observers.
Schanzer called it “unusual” that Pakistan had positioned itself between Washington and Tehran, adding that its intentions remain unclear.
He also flagged China’s possible influence, given Pakistan’s economic dependence on Beijing, and questioned whether Islamabad was acting independently or as part of a broader alignment.
‘War is not over’, analysts warn despite pause
Schanzer also said the ceasefire does not signal the end of the conflict, pointing to possible covert efforts and unresolved proxy dynamics.
He noted that groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis remain active variables, suggesting that “new phases of this war” could emerge even if missile exchanges stop.
Experts warn ceasefire is fragile, ‘real test on ground’
Even as the ceasefire holds on paper, analysts have cautioned that the next few days will determine whether it survives.
Jonathan Schanzer said the Iranian regime “cannot be trusted in any shape or form” and warned that a weakened but angry Iran could still seek retribution.
He described the situation as dealing with a “wounded animal”, adding that while Iran may be temporarily constrained, its ideological core remains unchanged.
Israel backs US ceasefire, but excludes Lebanon operations
Israel has formally backed the US decision to suspend strikes on Iran for two weeks, aligning itself with Washington’s push for negotiations.
In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel supports the pause “subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks”.
However, it made clear that operations in South Lebanon will continue, stating the ceasefire “does not include Lebanon” and that action against Hezbollah will go on.
Crowds gather in Tehran after ceasefire announcement
Reports from Iran said many people came out onto the streets after the ceasefire was announced.
In Tehran, crowds reportedly gathered outside their homes carrying national flags to celebrate the two-week pause, even as official statements stressed that negotiations were still pending and the war, in Iran’s view, was not yet formally over.
Tehran says ceasefire follows strength, not compromise
The Iranian leadership said from the beginning it had decided that the war would continue until the enemy was pushed into “regret and desperation” and the long-term threat to the country was removed.
Its statement said the ceasefire had come only after the enemy had been brought to “historic helplessness and lasting defeat”, and that Iran’s next goal was to consolidate those gains and create new security and political equations based on acceptance of its power and sovereignty.
Iran claims ‘historic victory’ after pause
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council later declared what it called a “historic victory”, claiming the US had effectively been forced to accept Iran’s framework.
According to the Iranian side, the United States accepted Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, its enrichment rights, the lifting of sanctions, compensation for damages and the withdrawal of US forces from the region.
The Council said Iran had rejected repeated US deadlines over the course of the war and had continued until “nearly all” of its objectives were achieved.
What is in Iran’s 10-point proposal?
Iran’s reported 10-point plan, which it says the United States has accepted as the basis for negotiations, includes:
US commitment against future aggression
Tehran wants guarantees that there will be no further attacks by the United States.
Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz
Iran says continued control over the strait must be part of any arrangement, with passage governed on terms accepted by Tehran.
Recognition of enrichment rights
The proposal seeks acceptance of Iran’s right to nuclear enrichment.
Removal of sanctions
Iran is seeking the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions.
End to UN and IAEA measures
Tehran also wants the termination of all UN Security Council resolutions and all IAEA Board of Governors resolutions against it.
Compensation and regional withdrawal
The proposal includes payment of damages to Iran, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, and a halt to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Binding international legal cover
Iran has additionally demanded a binding UN Security Council resolution that would turn any agreement with the United States into enforceable international law.
Iran says ceasefire does not mean war is over
After the pause was announced, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the two-week ceasefire should not be read as the end of the war.
According to Iranian accounts, the pause is only an opening for negotiations on the details of Tehran’s 10-point plan. The Council said the war would continue in political and strategic terms until Iran’s objectives were secured and its gains consolidated.
It also urged the Iranian public to back the negotiation process.
Israel says it struck Iranian naval and underwater detection sites
Even as ceasefire messaging gathered pace, Israel said it had carried out fresh strikes inside Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces said it had struck what it called a central site in Shiraz used to produce sonar and underwater detection systems meant to identify submarines, vessels, divers and underwater missiles. It also said additional strikes in Karaj targeted a central site involved in naval cruise missiles and air defence systems.
Iranian state media, on the other hand, said the IRGC’s advanced defence systems had neutralised five cruise missiles and one Tomahawk missile over Qazvin airspace.
Talks may move to Islamabad after pause
The two-week pause is expected to be followed by more detailed negotiations between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad emerging as the likely venue.
Iran later said negotiations with the US would begin in Islamabad on Friday, April 10, under the supervision of the country’s top leadership. Tehran also said the two-week period could be extended if both sides agreed.
That said, the Iranian side made clear it would enter the talks with what it described as “complete distrust” of Washington.
Trump says Iran proposal can be base for permanent deal
Trump said Iran’s 10-point proposal could form the basis for negotiations toward a permanent settlement.
He added that the two-week ceasefire period would allow the agreement to be “finalised and consummated”, and said the US was close to resolving what he called a long-running regional problem.
Iran’s side, meanwhile, presented the pause as part of a broader negotiating framework, not a final settlement.
Iran signals acceptance, says it will halt operations if attacks stop
Iran then responded publicly to the proposal, saying it would cease military operations if attacks against it were halted.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, posting on X on behalf of the Islamic Republic, said Iran’s armed forces would stop their “defensive operations” if strikes on Iran ended. He also said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks through coordination with Iran’s armed forces and subject to technical limitations.
Araghchi thanked Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts to help end the war, indicating that Pakistani backchannel diplomacy had played a role in the opening.
Ceasefire linked directly to Strait of Hormuz reopening
The proposed pause is explicitly tied to shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained central to the crisis.
Trump said the ceasefire depends on Iran agreeing to reopen the route safely and immediately. The disruption in the strait has already hit oil supplies and fuelled wider economic anxiety, with implications well beyond the Gulf.
For India too, the developments matter closely, given the country’s dependence on energy flows from the region.
Trump says US has already met military objectives
Alongside the pause announcement, Trump said the United States had already “met and exceeded” its military goals in the campaign against Iran.
He said Washington was now “very far along” toward what he described as a definitive agreement on long-term peace with Iran and peace in the Middle East.
The decision came after a day of sharply escalatory rhetoric from the US President, including a warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if no deal was reached.
Trump pulls back 90 minutes before deadline, offers two-week pause
US President Donald Trump stepped back from a major military escalation against Iran shortly before his self-imposed 8 pm EST deadline, announcing a conditional two-week pause in planned attacks.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would suspend further escalation if Iran agreed to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz”. He described the move as a “double-sided ceasefire” and said Washington had received a 10-point proposal from Iran that could serve as a workable basis for talks.
Trump also claimed that “almost all” of the major points of dispute had been addressed, and said the two-week period would be used to finalise a broader agreement.