Washington, 08 April (H.S.):
US President Donald Trump declared a two-week bilateral ceasefire with Iran late Tuesday, suspending planned strikes on civilian infrastructure contingent on Tehran's complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—just 90 minutes shy of his 8 p.m. ET ultimatum to destroy a whole civilization.
In a Truth Social post, Trump credited discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir: Based on conversations... I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE! He affirmed military objectives met and hailed Iran's 10-point proposal as a workable basis, with most contentious issues resolved barring finalisation.
Iranian Leaders' Responses
Iran's Supreme National Security Council claimed historic victory, asserting the US accepted Tehran's 10-point plan—including Hormuz control, nuclear enrichment rights, and sanctions removal. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated safe passage through Hormuz would be coordinated with Iranian forces for two weeks, provided attacks cease: Our Powerful Armed Forces will cease defensive operations.
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref affirmed preparedness for all scenarios, while military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned of infrastructure retaliation depriving the US and allies of regional energy for years.
Regional and Global Reactions
A senior White House official confirmed Israel's adherence to the truce, pausing its campaign. Pakistan's Sharif described talks as progressing steadily, urging Iran for a goodwill Hormuz gesture. UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned Trump's rhetoric as sickening, warning attacks on civilians constitute war crimes. Pope Leo XIV called threats to Iranian culture truly unacceptable.
Oil benchmark Dated Brent hit a record $144.42 amid Hormuz disruptions, though markets rallied post-announcement. Global stocks closed mixed, with late US gains offsetting European losses.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
