U.S. Threats Against Iran Lead to a Fragile Ceasefire

After U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly issued threats to annihilate and destroy Iranian civilization if it did not open the Strait of Hormuz and strike a deal with the U.S., Iran ultimately agreed to Trump’s ultimatum as the deadline he had set approached. On April 8, 2026, Iran and the US agreed to a two-week ceasefire, which Iran subsequently followed up by gradually opening the Strait of Hormuz.

Picture`s Source: BBC

The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply passes, is crucial to the global economy. During the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing global oil prices to skyrocket to $100 per barrel and even surpassing that mark to reach $110 per barrel.

This has inevitably led to rising prices for commodities such as motor vehicle fuel, jet fuel, natural gas, and food—not only in countries across the Middle East and within the United States, but also throughout the world. As a demonstration of its commitment to the ceasefire, Iran proposed a 10-point peace plan, which the U.S. approved and which includes, among other things:

The U.S. must, in principle, commit to guaranteeing non-aggression

Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s right to enrich uranium must be recognized

Lifting of all primary sanctions

Lifting of all secondary sanctions

Revocation of all UN Security Council resolutions

Revocation of all resolutions of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Payment of compensation for damages inflicted upon Iran

Withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from the region

Ceasefire on all fronts, including against the heroic Islamic resistance in Lebanon.

Reading the points above, Iran appears very confident and has the upper hand. It would come as no surprise if Iranian officials were to declare victory in the war against the U.S. and Israel in 2026. Unfortunately, shortly after the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, Israel violated the ceasefire by attacking Iranian proxies in Lebanon. This has the potential to spark new turmoil that threatens to unravel the ceasefire previously agreed upon by the US and Iran.

Currently, the Iran-U.S. diplomatic and negotiation process is still proceeding with great difficulty in Pakistan. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is personally leading the U.S. negotiation team, with Pakistan acting as mediator. How will this conflict end? We hope that the 14-day ceasefire agreement between Iran and the U.S. continues to yield positive results, fostering conditions that support the realization of lasting world peace—not a fleeting peace that risks triggering new turmoil and unrest. Hopefully!