40-day war pauses as US and Iran agree on 15-day ceasefire
On the 40th day of the US‑Israeli war on Iran, a temporary 15‑day ceasefire was announced, pulling the world back from the brink of nuclear confrontation. Brokered by Pakistan, the truce will be followed by direct talks in Islamabad starting Friday. Tehran’s 10‑point proposal, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control and lifting sanctions, will be on the table.
The world breathed a collective sigh of relief Wednesday as the United States and Iran agreed to a 15‑day temporary ceasefire, exactly 40 days after Washington and Israel launched their offensive against Tehran. The breakthrough, mediated by Pakistan, came just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face “the destruction of an entire civilisation.” Joyful street celebrations erupted in Tehran as the truce was announced, offering a fragile pause in a conflict that had threatened to spiral into a regional inferno.
Pakistan’s Mediation and Upcoming Islamabad Talks
Pakistan played a decisive role in bridging the two sides. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that both parties have agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. He invited Iranian and US delegations to Islamabad for direct negotiations starting Friday, April 10, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive peace agreement. Sharif thanked Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China for their supporting roles. The talks will consider Iran’s 10‑point proposal submitted last Monday, which Washington has accepted as a basis for negotiation, alongside a 15‑point US counter‑proposal.
Conflicting Narratives on Hormuz and Victory Claims
A key point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz. Trump declared the waterway would reopen immediately, framing the ceasefire as a “complete victory” and claiming that Iran had undergone a “very productive regime change.” Tehran’s senior officials, however, insisted that the strait would only open after the ceasefire takes effect, under Iranian security coordination. Despite the ambiguity, maritime observers reported increased tanker traffic through the strait shortly after the truce. The Financial Times also revealed that Washington had quietly lobbied for a ceasefire for weeks, driven by fears of surging oil prices and surprise at Iran’s military resilience—a stark contrast to Trump’s public triumphalism.
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Iran’s 10‑Point Proposal and High‑Level Delegations
Iran’s proposal includes an immediate halt to attacks, a tax on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz (reportedly $1 per barrel in cryptocurrency), war reparations from the US and Israel, a comprehensive regional agreement, and the lifting of all international sanctions. In return, Tehran would renounce nuclear weapons and negotiate enrichment levels. Tomorrow’s talks in Islamabad will see Iran represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, while the US will be represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff, Vice‑President JD Vance, and Jared Kushner. Pakistan will coordinate through Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
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