United States and Iran reach two-week ceasefire amid ongoing conflict in Lebanon

On April 8, 2026, the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, established a two-week ceasefire following an ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz. While Iranian state media reported that Tehran blocked tanker passage through the strait in retaliation for Israel's actions, other reports indicate some vessels have continued to cross. The core disagreement remains the status of the Lebanese front; Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated the ceasefire covers Lebanon, but the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly excluded it. Consequently, Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon, conducting significant airstrikes near Beirut and Tyre. Hezbollah initially halted fire but has faced intensified Israeli military pressure. Meanwhile, Iranian sources claim Tehran may withdraw from the agreement if the strikes in Lebanon persist, and reports from Gulf nations mention incoming drone and missile attacks attributed to Iran.