U.S. and Iran Enter Two-Week Ceasefire After Trump Deadline

The United States and Iran have entered a formal 14-day ceasefire following an ultimatum issued by President Donald Trump. The President had previously set an April 8 deadline, warning of 'civilisational' attacks if Tehran did not come to the negotiating table. In response, Iran presented a 10-point proposal that Trump characterized as a 'workable basis' for further talks. The current truce mandates a total suspension of military operations and establishes a coordinated framework for safe vessel passage through the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts have now shifted to back-channel negotiations hosted in Pakistan, where officials aim to 'consummate' a formal deal within the two-week window. While the immediate threat of direct conflict has receded, analysts warn that the agreement remains fragile. Potential risks include 'left-field shocks' from rogue Iranian proxies or disagreements over nuclear enrichment levels and maritime tolls, though no violations have been reported in the initial 24 hours of the ceasefire. Regional allies in the Gulf have remained quiet following the announcement, but the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to stabilize local economies. Global energy markets have responded with cautious optimism to the cooling of tensions, even as experts maintain a watchful eye on the high-level talks set to take place during the implementation phase of the truce.