Iran warfare LIVE: Trump declares two-week ceasefire with Iran as Hormuz to reopen
US President Donald Trump has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran on the condition that shipping is allowed to move through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social: “I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!”
Following the dramatic announcement, the President has claimed that there is no question the US had won a “total and complete victory”. He said that Iran’s uranium would be “perfectly taken care of” under the deal in an interview with Agence France Presse.
According to an Iranian state broadcaster, a 10-point plan for the conditional ceasefire includes “complete and permanent cessation of the war on Iran with no time limit” and “full payment of compensation and reconstruction costs to Iran”.
The ceasefire came just over an hour before Trump’s 8pm ET (1am BST) deadline for Iran to make a deal or else “a whole civilisation will die”.
“We must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire” – Starmer
Here is some more information on the Prime Minister’s recently announced trip to the Gulf.
Keir Starmer said “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” he said.
“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”
Starmer is set to meet leaders of countries which have been on the front line and reiterate his support for the ceasefire and the need for a long-term diplomatic solution to the war.
Downing Street also said the PM will hold talks on ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains permanent, with the UK taking a leading role in the efforts.
Keir Starmer travelling to the Middle East
Downing Street has said Keir Starmer is heading to the Gulf today to “discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire”. The Prime Minister will meet with leaders in the region following the ceasefire announcement.
Trump hails ‘big day for world peace’
In a post on his Truth social platform Trump has welcomed the ceasefire saying that the US will remain “hangin’ around” in the region to make sure “everything goes well”.
Sirens sounded in Bahrain after ceasefire
Sirens sounded in Bahrain after ceasefire was called. According to Bahrain’s Interior Ministry a fire at a facility in Bahrain has been extinguished after an Iranian strike.
There were reports of several strikes as the announcement was made so it is not clear when Iran launched this attack.
Lebanon warns people not to head south
Lebanon’s Crisis Management Unit has urged displaced people not to travel south following the ceasefire agreement. After the announcement was made many started to pack their belongings and head south, thinking that the agreement also included Lebanon.
The area where Israel and the Hezbollah militant group are at war is not part of the deal hence the unit’s statement.
UK petrol and diesel drivers urged to fill up as prices fall
Global oil prices rapidly fell after the US and Iran announced a conditional two-week ceasefire deal that demands the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
Experts have warned that despite the immediate fall, it will take some time for drivers to feel the full benefit of the reopening at the pump. However if you haven’t filled up your car yet, it would be best to do so before Thursday at 5pm.
Iranians gather in streets following announcement
Iranians have taken to the street to react after a ceasefire announcement at the Enqelab square, in Tehran, on April 8. It comes as a sense of relief is shared by many as power plants will no longer be attacked.
Trump has claimed ‘total and complete victory’
Following the announcement of ceasefire Donald Trump has claimed that there is no question the US had won a “total and complete victory”.
He said that Iran’s uranium would be “perfectly taken care of” under the deal in an interview with Agence France Presse.
“Or I wouldn’t have settled,” Trump said.
‘A big day for World Peace’ says Trump
After the announcement of ceasefire Trump has taken to his social media platform to say it is ‘a big day for World Peace!’
His post added: “Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action!”
He continued that freeing the Strait of Hormuz could unlock the ‘Golden Age of the Middle East’.
Negotiations to begin on Friday
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said it would negotiate with the US in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, beginning on Friday.
But while accepting a ceasefire, it said in a statement: “It is emphasised that this does not signify the termination of the war.
“Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force.”
UN Secretary welcomes ceasefire
UN Secretary General António Guterres “welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire by the United States and Iran,” according to his spokesperson.
The statement said: “He calls on all the parties to the current conflict in the Middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.”
Israel confirm ceasefire does not include Lebanon
Hours after the announcement of ceasefire was made, Israel have released a statement. It reads:
Israel supports President Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks subject to Iran immediately opening the straits and stopping all attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region.
Israel also supports the US effort to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran’s Arab neighbors and the world.
The United States has told Israel that it is committed to achieving these goals, shares by the US, Israel and Israel’s regional allies, in the upcoming negotiations.”
The two-weeks ceasefire does not include Lebanon.
Israel remain silent after ceasefire announcement
Israel are yet to issue an official response to the ceasefire announcement by US and Iran.
It is not clear if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had much involvement in the decision-making by Donald Trump.
Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the ceasefire included Lebanon but this has not been confirmed.
Israel’s leadership have claimed previously they will not leave Lebanon until the threat from Hezbollah has been removed.
White House claim victory
The White House has claimed victory following the announcement of ceasefire.
Posting on social media, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said “This is a victory for the United States that President Trump and our incredible military made happen.
“From the very beginning of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump estimated this would be a 4-6 week operation. Thanks to the unbelievable capabilities of our warriors, we have achieved and exceeded our core military objectives in 38 days.
She added that Trump “got the Strait of Hormuz reopened”.
Oil prices fall
Following president Trump’s announcement the price of oil has fallen.
The price of global benchmark Brent crude fell about 13.6 per cent to $94.50 (£70.58) a barrel after the conditional ceasefire agreement.
US-traded oil also dropped in price by around 14.3 per cent to $96.80.
Ahead of the double sided ceasefire, which will see attacks stop for two weeks, the benchmarks were trading well above $100 a barrel.
Abu Dhabi deal with fire at gas facility
Abu Dhabi authorities have confirmed they are dealing with a fire at a gas facility.
A statement posted on X reads: “The competent authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are dealing with a fire incident at the Habshan gas processing facility.
” You will be provided with updates as soon as they become available. The competent authorities urge the public to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified information.”
Iran state TV mocks Donald Trump’s ceasefire as ‘a humiliating retreat’
Iran’s state television has declared Donald Trump’s ceasefire as a humiliating climbdown for his military ambitions. The US President backtracked on his threats to “end” civilisation as he announced the deal before his chilling deadline.
Pakistan announced ceasefire minutes before Trump’s deadline
Pakistan have said that the ceasefire was called just minutes before Trump’s deadline. The US president had set the deadline of 8pm EDT (1am BST) to reach a ceasefire deal before carrying out nationwide attacks.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a ceasefire was “EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY” just ten minutes before its expiration.
Negotiations to be held in Pakistan
The conditional ceasefire negotiations will be held in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad according to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). A SNSC statement said there will be a maximum period of 15 days for the details to be “finalised”.
The statement added that the negotiations will be held so that “Iran’s victory in the field would also be consolidated in political negotiations”.
Sirens sound in Israel after Trump’s announcement
Just minutes after Trump made the ceasefire announcement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified missiles launched from Iran and warned the public to enter a safe space until further notice.
The IDF says “defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat”.
Iran’s 10 point plan
Iran’s list of demands put to President Trump has been made public following the agreement of a ceasefire. Iran’s 10-point plan includes:
1. Guarantee that Iran will not be attacked again
2. Permanent end to the war, not just a ceasefire
3. End to Israeli strikes in Lebanon
4. Lifting of all US sanctions on Iran
5. End to all regional fighting against Iranian allies
6. In return, Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz
7. Iran would impose a Hormuz fee of $2 million per ship
8. Iran would split these fees with Oman
9. Iran to provide rules for safe passage through Hormuz
10. Iran to use Hormuz fees for reconstruction instead of reparations
Iran agree to open Strait of Hormuz
Iran have agreed to the two week ceasefire in which “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible”.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made the agreement “if attacks against Iran are halted”.
This will take place “via co-ordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations”, he added.
Trump suspends bombing for two weeks
Trump said that Iran agreed to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.”
As a result, he agreed to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.
Trump announces ceasefire – full statement
US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, April 7, wrote: “Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.”
“This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.”
“We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated.”
“On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
White House says Trump stands with civilians in Iran
The White House has said that Trump stands with civilians in Iran.
Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement in response to the criticism the president’s comments have received.
“As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing,” the statement says.
“The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.”
Saudi Arabia intercepts five ballistic missiles
Saudi Arabian air defences have intercepted five ballistic missiles launched towards its eastern region. The Ministry of Defence has said all five missiles were destroyed.
HMS Dragon forced to dock for ‘technical issues’
The Royal Navy warship deployed to protect Britain’s bases after the conflict in Iran erupted is now in port having repairs.
HMS Dragon, the Type 45 Destroyer, was sent to the Med to protect Britain’s airbases after criticism of a lack of action from the UK. HMS Dragon is one of the most advanced warships in the world packed with high-tech weaponry, including a naval gun capable of firing 25 rounds a-minute.
But the warship has now had to pull out of duties near Cyprus because of maintenance issues after suffering issues with its water supplies.
‘Good news expected’ following Pakistan’s ceasefire proposal
Good news is reportedly expected after Pakistan asked Donald Trump to extend his deadline to Iran and allow for a two-week ceasefire, according to reports.
“Some good news is expected from both sides soon,” CNN said, citing a regional source. It added that discussions were led by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The source said a deal is expected to close tonight.
Trump’s deadline remains in place, White House says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says Trump’s deadline for Iran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz remains in place.
She told NBC: “The Iranian regime has until 8pm Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States.
“Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do.”
Trump responds to Pakistan’s proposed ceasefire plan
Donald Trump responded to a proposed ceasefire plan put forward by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said of PM Sharif: “I can say this – that I know him very well. He’s a highly respected man, all over.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Trump “has been made been aware of the proposal, and a response will come.”
