NewsFlash Daily™
08 April
Trump Halts Iran Strike at Last Minute, Pakistan Brokers Shock Ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz Reopens Amid Global War Fears
Washington: In a stunning late-night geopolitical development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has pulled back from launching a devastating military strike on Iran just two hours before the deadline, paving the way for a two-week ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan. The decision comes after urgent diplomatic intervention by the Pakistani leadership, significantly lowering tensions that had threatened to spiral into a full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
According to official sources, the breakthrough came after direct appeals from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Their intervention reportedly convinced Trump to suspend the planned bombing campaign, offering a narrow but critical window for peace talks. The ceasefire is being described as a bilateral and strategic pause, aimed at negotiating a long-term settlement.
Iran Agrees to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
A key outcome of the agreement is Iran’s consent to immediately and safely reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supply that had been shut for over five weeks due to escalating hostilities. The closure had triggered global economic concerns, as nearly one-fifth of the world's oil passes through this narrow channel.
Global Pressure and War Crime Concerns Mount
Prior to the ceasefire, Trump had issued warnings of targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure—moves that raised alarm across the international community. Organizations like the United Nations and even the Pope had expressed serious concerns, warning that such actions could amount to potential war crimes. The ceasefire now temporarily halts these fears, though uncertainties remain.
Iran’s 10-Point Proposal Forms Basis for Talks
The ceasefire is rooted in a comprehensive 10-point proposal submitted by Iran, which includes:
- Commitment to non-aggression
- Continued Iranian control over Hormuz
- Recognition of uranium enrichment rights
- Removal of all primary and secondary sanctions
- Revocation of UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions
- Allocation of Hormuz revenues for reconstruction
- Compensation payments to Iran
- Withdrawal of U.S. military forces
- Complete cessation of hostilities across all fronts
- Halt to Israeli strikes in Lebanon
This proposal is now being treated as the foundation for ongoing negotiations.
Trump’s Official Statement
“Based on discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, I have agreed to halt the devastating strike planned for tonight. In return, Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately and safely. This is a bilateral ceasefire. We are very close to a long-term peace agreement.”
Trump further emphasized that the two-week pause would allow both sides to finalise a broader deal aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the Middle East.
Israel Extends Support to Ceasefire
Reports suggest that Israel has also expressed support for the ceasefire, signalling a possible regional alignment toward de-escalation. However, analysts caution that the situation remains fragile, and sustained diplomacy will be key.
A Temporary Relief, But Long Road Ahead
While the ceasefire offers immediate relief to global markets and diplomatic circles, experts warn that the next two weeks will be crucial in determining whether this pause leads to lasting peace or renewed conflict.
