In a historic midnight breakthrough, the world has breathed a collective sigh of relief as the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic regional war. Brokered by Pakistan, the deal comes just hours before a self-imposed deadline by US President Donald Trump, who had threatened a massive strike on Iranian infrastructure.
As the “Islamabad Talks” prepare to kick off this Friday, April 10, here is the essential guide to the ceasefire that has already sent global oil prices plunging by 15%.
1. The 14-Day “Cooling Off” Period
The agreement is currently a temporary 14-day truce that went into effect on the night of April 7, 2026. President Trump agreed to suspend all planned “destructive force” against Iranian power plants, bridges, and civilian infrastructure on one primary condition: the complete and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
For the first time in weeks, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that safe passage through the vital waterway is now possible, though it remains under the tactical coordination of Iran’s armed forces.
2. Pakistan: The Architect of Peace
This diplomatic miracle was made possible through the “shuttle diplomacy” of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir
played the role of primary mediators.
Sharif personally appealed to President
Trump to extend his deadline, arguing that a military strike would end any chance of a long-term solution. Trump acknowledged this on Truth Social, noting that his decision to delay the bombing campaign was “based on conversations” with Pakistan’s leadership.
3. The 10-Point Peace Proposal
The upcoming negotiations in Islamabad aren’t starting from scratch. Iran has submitted a 10-point proposal that the US has accepted “in principle” as a workable basis for a permanent settlement. This plan includes:
1. Permanent Cessation of Hostilities: A total and unconditional end to all offensive military operations between the US and Iran.
2. Lifting of Sanctions:The immediate removal of all US primary and secondary economic sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy.
3. Nuclear Rights Recognition:A formal acknowledgment of Iran’s right to uranium enrichment for peaceful, civilian energy purposes.
4. Maritime Management & Tolls:While the Strait of Hormuz will be open, the plan proposes “regulated passage” managed by Iran. Intriguingly, it suggests that Iran and Oman may be permitted to charge a per-vessel fee $2 million to fund regional reconstruction.
5. US Withdrawal: A phased withdrawal of US combat forces from regional bases in the Middle East.
6. Asset Restoration: The immediate release of all Iranian funds and sovereign assets currently frozen in international and American banks.
7. Regional Ceasefire: A guarantee that the truce applies to all fronts, including Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.
8. Non-Aggression Pact: A legally binding commitment from Washington to never initiate future acts of aggression against the Iranian state.
9. War Compensation: A demand for financial compensation to help Iran rebuild infrastructure damaged during the recent escalations.
10. UN Security Council Ratification:The requirement that any final deal be backed by a UN resolution to make it binding under international law.
4. The “Lebanon Loophole”
Perhaps the most dangerous threat to this peace is the status of Lebanon. While PM Shehbaz Sharif announced that the ceasefire applies “everywhere, including Lebanon,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly clarified that **Israel is not a party to this specific deal**.
Netanyahu’s office stated that while they support the US-Iran pause, Israel will continue its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This discrepancy could lead to a collapse of the truce if Iranian-backed groups view continued Israeli strikes as a violation of the ceasefire’s spirit.
5. What Happens on Friday, April 10?
The world’s eyes now turn to Islamabad. Delegations led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital on Thursday evening.
The goal of the “Islamabad Talks” is to turn this fragile 14-day window into a permanent treaty. For residents of Pakistan, the successful hosting of these talks marks a massive shift in the country’s global standing, positioning it as the ultimate bridge between the West and the Middle East.
Stay tuned for for more updates as the delegations arrive in Islamabad for the start of the historic peace summit.
Comments 1