US and Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire, Israel Joins with Key Exception for Lebanon

The United States and Iran have reached a conditional two-week ceasefire, with Israel also agreeing to suspend strikes on Iranian territory while explicitly excluding ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump announced the deal late on April 7, stating that the US would pause all bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks, provided Iran ensures the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Supreme National Security Council confirmed acceptance, saying Iranian forces would coordinate safe passage if US and allied strikes halt. Negotiations between US and Iranian delegations are set to begin Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Israel’s Position and Role

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office welcomed the US decision to suspend attacks on Iran but made clear that the two-week truce does not apply to Lebanon. Israel will continue military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group, as part of its separate campaign. A White House official confirmed that Israel has agreed to the contours of the ceasefire regarding Iran itself.

Israeli officials described the pause as reluctant but aligned with US leadership. Some sources indicated skepticism that the truce would hold long-term without stronger guarantees on Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. Despite the announcement, reports emerged of missile alerts in Israel and the Gulf region in the early hours of April 8, with Israeli air defenses intercepting incoming threats. An Israeli military spokesperson noted that while the US has paused offensive operations, Israel continued certain strikes initially.

Israel has been a central partner in the conflict from the outset, conducting joint operations with the US under the codename Operation Roaring Lion (paired with the US Operation Epic Fury). Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile sites, nuclear-related facilities, and senior IRGC figures.

Background of the 2026 Conflict

The war began on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched coordinated large-scale strikes on Iranian targets, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones aimed at Israel, US bases, and regional allies, while disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The fighting caused thousands of deaths, widespread displacement (including heavy impact in Lebanon), and significant economic disruption, including fuel shortages and oil price volatility.

In recent weeks, the US issued ultimatums threatening broader strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, bridges, and power plants if Hormuz remained blocked. Joint US-Israeli actions included hits on Kharg Island and other key sites. Iran responded with missile barrages and formed civilian human chains to protect potential targets.

Current Situation and Reactions

• Military status: The US has ordered a halt to offensive operations against Iran. Israel is observing the pause on direct strikes against Iranian soil but maintains active operations in Lebanon. Missile interceptions were reported across the Gulf and Israel shortly after the announcement.
• Diplomatic next steps: Talks in Islamabad will focus on longer-term issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, missiles, and regional influence. Pakistan, with reported Chinese support, played a key mediating role.
• Economic impact: Safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to ease immediate global oil supply concerns and stabilize markets.
• Regional reactions: Celebrations were reported in parts of Iraq. Analysts caution that the truce is temporary and fragile, with core disputes unresolved. Both sides have claimed aspects of victory.

Netanyahu’s office has framed Israel’s participation as consistent with achieved military objectives while preserving freedom of action against immediate threats like Hezbollah.

This remains a rapidly developing story. Compliance with the Hormuz opening and adherence to the ceasefire will be closely monitored in the coming days, particularly regarding any spillover from the Lebanon theater. Further updates are anticipated from the Islamabad negotiations.