A fragile pause in the Iran-Israel war took shape on Day 40 after the United States, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire just an hour before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump to escalate the conflict. Even as diplomacy gained ground, strikes across the region underscored how tenuous the truce remains.
The breakthrough came late Tuesday, when Washington and Tehran reached an agreement to halt hostilities, with Israel also signing on, according to the White House. The deal was clinched barely an hour before Trump’s deadline to “obliterate” Iran was due to expire.
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As part of the arrangement, Iran agreed to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route that had become a focal point of the conflict.
The agreement followed Trump’s conversations with Pakistan’s leadership, which had urged de-escalation.
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Key developments:
US, Iran and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire Iran to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz Pakistan intervened diplomatically to push for a truce Islamabad emerges as diplomatic centre Attention has now shifted to Pakistan, where talks between Iran and the United States are set to begin Friday. Tehran described the ceasefire as a “victory” and positioned the negotiations as a pathway to ending the war.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Islamabad would host both delegations, with the goal of reaching a “conclusive agreement.”
Key developments: Iran called the ceasefire a “victory” US-Iran talks scheduled in Islamabad Pakistan acting as mediator Iran lays out sweeping 10-point plan Ahead of negotiations, Tehran unveiled a 10-point plan outlining its conditions for ending the conflict, signalling hard bargaining ahead.
The proposal demands US recognition of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and the complete lifting of sanctions. It also calls for structural shifts in the region’s security architecture.
Key demands include:
Acceptance of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme Full lifting of US sanctions Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz Withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East End to attacks on Iran and its allies Release of frozen Iranian assets Binding UN Security Council resolution Strikes and explosions continue despite truce Despite claims that the ceasefire extended “everywhere,” violence persisted across multiple fronts.
In Lebanon, an Israeli strike on the coastal city of Sidon killed eight people, according to the health ministry. Visuals from the scene showed flames engulfing a seaside café.
Explosions were also reported elsewhere in the region. Five blasts were heard in central Baghdad near the US Embassy, while similar sounds were reported in Doha. The UAE said its air defences were intercepting Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Key developments: Israeli strike in Sidon killed eight Multiple explosions reported in Baghdad Blasts heard in Doha UAE intercepted Iranian missiles and drones Civilian toll mounts amid cross-border attacks The humanitarian impact of the conflict continues to grow. In northern Israel, five people were injured following incoming missiles from Iran and rockets fired from Lebanon, according to emergency services.
The Israeli military had earlier warned of an increased risk of attacks as Trump’s deadline approached, pointing to the possibility of further escalation.
Key developments
Five injured in northern Israel Attacks involved Iranian missiles and Lebanese rockets Israel warned of heightened threat levels Global alarm over threats to civilians International concern has intensified over the rhetoric and potential targeting of civilian infrastructure.
Before the ceasefire announcement, Pope Leo XIV said threats to inflict widespread damage on civilian targets in Iran were “unacceptable” and could violate international law.
Trump had issued a stark warning earlier, saying “a whole civilization will die” if Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his deadline.
Also read: Trump orders 2-week truce with Iran, Tehran says war not over
UN probe and symbolic strike deepen tensions A United Nations investigation into earlier incidents in Lebanon found that three peacekeepers killed in March were likely struck by Israeli tank fire in one case and a Hezbollah improvised explosive device in another.
Meanwhile, a strike in Tehran hit the Rafi-Nia Synagogue, which Iranian media said was “completely destroyed.” Israel expressed regret, describing the damage as “collateral damage” from an operation targeting a senior Iranian commander.
Key developments UN probe implicates Israeli fire and Hezbollah IED Tehran synagogue destroyed in strike Israel cites “collateral damage” Hostage release signals parallel negotiations In a separate development, Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah armed group said it would release US journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad a week ago—an indication of parallel backchannel movements amid the broader conflict.
The ceasefire has opened a diplomatic window, but continued strikes and sharply divergent demands suggest the conflict remains far from resolution. With negotiations set to begin and multiple theatres still active, the coming days are likely to test whether the truce can hold—or unravel.