Just hours before the U.S. deadline to launch a large-scale attack on Iran, President Donald Trump suddenly shifted course, agreeing to suspend military strikes under certain conditions, signaling a brief easing of tensions between the two countries.
According to CNBC on April 7, Trump stated that the U.S. would “pause bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks” as long as Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. This declaration came only hours before the deadline he had previously set.
Earlier, Trump had issued a highly threatening warning, saying that if Iran did not reach an agreement by the deadline, “an entire civilization could be wiped out tonight,” and he threatened large-scale strikes on targets including critical infrastructure.
Axios reported that the two-week ceasefire proposal was suggested by Pakistan. After discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, Trump agreed to temporarily delay military action. The plan requires Iran to “immediately, fully, and safely” reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a reciprocal ceasefire.
White House officials revealed that Israel had also agreed to pause military operations in sync, with the ceasefire taking effect once Iran fulfills its commitment to reopen the strait.
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Despite the ceasefire proposal, U.S. forces launched a new round of strikes before the deadline. CNBC cited U.S. officials speaking to NBC News, reporting overnight attacks on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s most important oil export hub.
Additionally, multiple bridges in Iran were airstruck, showing that the conflict continued to escalate rapidly before diplomatic efforts could take effect.
Negotiations and power plays: internal and external tensions
Axios noted that over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran engaged in intensive communications through intermediaries, with Pakistan acting as the main mediator. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to lead any subsequent face-to-face negotiations, though arrangements have not yet been officially announced.
There are also internal disagreements within the decision-making team. Allies including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham urged Trump to reject any ceasefire until Iran made significant concessions.
Meanwhile, within Trump’s team, including Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff, there were recommendations to accept an agreement under the right conditions.
Trump said the U.S. had received a “10-point plan” from Iran, which he viewed as a basis for negotiations, noting that both sides had “essentially agreed” on most disputed issues. The two-week period would be used to finalize a long-term peace agreement.
The conflict has already caused severe casualties. CNBC cited human rights group HRANA, reporting nearly 3,400 deaths in the Middle East, including more than 1,600 civilians. Lebanon’s death toll exceeds 1,500, Israel has 23 fatalities, and 13 U.S. soldiers have died, with 2 non-combat deaths.
At the same time, signals of de-escalation quickly affected financial markets. Axios reported that after the announcement, S&P 500 futures rose over 1 percent, while crude oil futures dropped around 6 percent. Markets had been under pressure due to fears of escalating conflict, only rebounding clearly after ceasefire signals emerged.
