Washington/Islamabad, April 8, 2026: Pakistan successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, announced early Wednesday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ceasefire, which also involves allied countries, is effective immediately and covers conflicts including Lebanon.
Trump Pledges Close Cooperation with Iran Following Pakistan-Brokered Ceasefire
PM Shehbaz invited US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026, for further negotiations aimed at reaching a conclusive agreement to settle outstanding disputes.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire on Truth Social less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which had been blocked during the six-week conflict. “A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else!” Trump wrote, emphasizing US support to manage the strait’s traffic and facilitate reconstruction efforts.
Trump described the deal as a “double-sided CEASEFIRE,” contingent on Iran pausing its blockade of oil and gas shipments, which account for roughly 20% of global supply. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran would stop counter-attacks and allow safe passage through the strait.
The ceasefire comes after escalating hostilities that have claimed over 5,000 lives across nearly a dozen countries, including more than 1,600 civilians in Iran and over 1,000 in Lebanon. Israeli forces continue strikes on southern Lebanon, though Hezbollah and Iran have largely adhered to the ceasefire.
Iran will be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Islamabad, while US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation. Discussions are expected to cover Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, sanctions, and economic and geopolitical issues, including control and safety protocols for the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran expressed gratitude toward Pakistan, hailing its mediation as instrumental in achieving the ceasefire, while the US White House described it as a victory enabled by diplomatic leverage and military pressure. Global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, welcomed the ceasefire and pledged support to stabilize the region and reopen the strait.
Financial markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices falling and US stock futures rising in the wake of the announcement, reflecting global relief. Analysts warned, however, that the ceasefire’s durability remains uncertain and further negotiations will be critical to prevent renewed hostilities.
