US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire Tied to Strait of Hormuz Reopening, But Iran Continues Missile Attacks on Israel and Gulf States.

Washington/Tehran/Tel Aviv - April 8, 2026: The United States and Iran reached a conditional two-week ceasefire agreement late Tuesday, with President Donald Trump announcing that Washington would suspend bombing and attacks on Iranian targets in exchange for Tehran allowing the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated on social media that the pause in U.S. strikes was "subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz." Iranian officials confirmed that passage through the critical waterway - which handles a significant portion of global oil transit - would be permitted for the next two weeks under coordination with Iranian armed forces. Iran and Oman are expected to collect transit fees during this period.

The deal, described by both sides as temporary, came just hours before a deadline set by Trump, who had threatened severe additional strikes on Iranian infrastructure if the strait remained blocked. Global oil prices fell sharply and stock markets rose following the announcement, reflecting relief over potential stabilization of energy supplies.

However, the fragile truce faced immediate challenges. Within hours of the ceasefire being declared, Iran launched multiple salvos of ballistic missiles toward Israel. Israeli air defenses intercepted incoming threats, with sirens sounding in central and northern Israel, including areas near Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Explosions from interceptions were reported, though initial assessments indicated no major casualties on the Israeli side.

Iran also continued missile and drone attacks against Gulf states. The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting nine ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and approximately 50 drones in the past 24 hours, with its air defense systems activated. Alerts were issued in several other Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, amid reports of strikes targeting energy and infrastructure facilities.

These post-ceasefire launches underscore that, despite the U.S.-Iran agreement, Iran has persisted with its retaliatory missile campaign against Israel, the UAE, and other regional targets - actions that began after the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.The broader conflict erupted more than a month ago when the United States and Israel conducted large-scale airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, military facilities, and leadership targets. Iran responded with widespread missile and drone barrages across the region and effectively disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to global fuel price spikes and economic strain.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports the two-week suspension of U.S. strikes but emphasized that the deal must include Iran halting all attacks on Israel and regional countries. Israeli forces have continued limited operations in response to Iranian fire.Negotiations for a longer-term agreement are expected to begin soon, possibly in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Iran has described the current pause as a step toward a "lasting peace" while floating a 10-point proposal that includes demands for sanctions relief, reparations, and U.S. withdrawal from regional bases - conditions previously rejected by Washington. Trump has called elements of Iran's proposal "workable" as a basis for talks.

U.S. officials stressed that the ceasefire remains conditional and that further military action could resume if Iran fails to comply fully or if attacks on U.S. allies continue.The situation remains highly fluid, with both sides expressing skepticism about the other's intentions. Analysts warn that the temporary nature of the truce, combined with ongoing regional missile exchanges, leaves significant risk of renewed escalation.This article is based on reports from Reuters, BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, AP, and regional defense statements as of early April 8, 2026. Developments are evolving rapidly.