The recent provisional ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran has been met with cautious support from Israel, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the deal does not extend to Lebanon. The ceasefire, which aims to de-escalate hostilities in the region, hinges on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting attacks against the US, Israel, and regional allies.
Terms of the Ceasefire
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has conditionally accepted a two-week pause in hostilities, contingent on the cessation of attacks against Iranian interests. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials confirmed that passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be permitted for the next two weeks under Iranian military oversight. According to Iranian state media, the ceasefire does not signify an end to the conflict but rather a temporary pause to facilitate further negotiations.
‘Israel welcomes the ceasefire, but fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon is not part of it,’ stated Netanyahu’s office.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif, a key mediator in the diplomatic efforts, announced that the ceasefire applies across all regions, including Lebanon. However, Israel has firmly rejected this assertion, maintaining that its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue.
Upcoming Negotiations
Talks between the US and Iran are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on April 10, 2026, with the aim of finalizing a conclusive agreement. Iranian state media reported that negotiations will focus on Iran’s battlefield achievements and a 10-point peace proposal, which includes conditions such as controlled transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the withdrawal of US forces from regional bases, and the lifting of sanctions. The proposal also reportedly demands Washington’s acceptance of Iran’s uranium enrichment program, a longstanding point of contention.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Israel, underscoring the fragility of the agreement and the ongoing volatility in the region.