Israel and Iran reach two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan

On April 8, 2026, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement, which took effect shortly before the deadline of a U.S. ultimatum, mandates the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz. While a White House official suggested the ceasefire might encompass broader regional conflicts, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially denied that the truce includes Lebanon. Israel remains engaged in military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Furthermore, the Israeli government reaffirmed its support for U.S. efforts to eliminate Iran's nuclear, missile, and terrorism-related threats. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the scope of the agreement, as initial statements from Pakistani officials implied the ceasefire applied to Lebanon, a claim explicitly rejected by the Israeli authorities.