By Joshua Otieno | April 8, 2026
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Shehbaz Sharif has announced a breakthrough global ceasefire between the United States and Iran, marking a dramatic pause in escalating hostilities that had threatened to destabilize global security.
The agreement, reached in the early hours of April 8, comes just ahead of a deadline issued by Donald Trump, who had warned of imminent military strikes if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed.
Under the terms of the deal, Iran has agreed to immediately reopen the strategic waterway for commercial shipping, easing pressure on global energy markets.
“Both sides have shown remarkable wisdom and understanding in agreeing to this ceasefire.”
The truce takes immediate effect and extends across multiple conflict zones, including flashpoints in the Middle East.
Pakistan, with the involvement of Army Chief Asim Munir, played a central mediating role in brokering the agreement, positioning Islamabad as a key diplomatic actor in the crisis.
High-level delegations from Washington and Tehran are now expected in Islamabad on April 10 for face-to-face negotiations aimed at securing a long-term peace deal.
President Trump confirmed the suspension of all planned military actions against Iran during the 14-day window to allow diplomacy to proceed.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu signaled conditional support for the ceasefire, noting that Israel’s separate military operations, particularly involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, are not covered under the current truce.
“Iran demands recognition of its nuclear sovereignty and the lifting of sanctions as part of any long-term agreement.”
The upcoming talks are expected to revolve around a proposed 10-point framework put forward by Tehran, addressing key issues such as control of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear policy, sanctions relief, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.
Despite the breakthrough, the situation remains fragile, with analysts warning that unresolved tensions and differing strategic interests could still derail the peace process.
Global leaders have, however, welcomed the ceasefire as a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions and pursue a lasting diplomatic solution to the conflict.
