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On the 40th day of US-Israel-Iran war, US President Donald Trump said he was holding off on his threatened attacks on Iranian bridges, power plants and other civilian targets, subject to Tehran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway through which a fifth of the world's oil is shipped during peacetime.
He also said Iran has proposed a "workable" 10-point peace plan that could help end the war launched by the US and Israel in February. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted a two-week ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed for the next two weeks under Iranian military management. It wasn't immediately clear whether that meant Iran would loosen its chokehold on the waterway.
Here are all the updates on the US-Israel-Iran war
Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline was hit by a drone attack, as per FT reports.
The 1,200 km long pipeline has been offering a key alternative after Strait of Hormuz closure, by rerouting millions of barrels of crude oil daily to prevent a crippling energy crisis.
Operated by Saudi Aramco, the pipeline is also known as Petroline and is the most significant alternative route currently available.
Read more here: Drone Hits Saudi Arabia's East-West Oil Pipeline Despite Truce; UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain Also Face Attacks
US President Donald Trump has levied a whopping 50% tariff on countries supplying weapons and arms to Iran, according to his post on Truth Social on Wednesday.
"A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions!," he said in the post.
At present, China, Russia, and North Korea are the primary arms suppliers to Tehran.
"The United States will work closely with Iran, which we have determined has gone through what will be a very productive Regime Change! There will be no enrichment of Uranium, and the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear “Dust.” It is now, and has been, under very exacting Satellite Surveillance (Space Force!). Nothing has been touched from the date of attack. We are, and will be, talking Tariff and Sanctions relief with Iran. Many of the 15 points have already been been agreed to. Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry recently issued several statements via a post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the ongoing regional tensions:
Pakistan's benchmark KSE-100 Index logged its biggest-ever intraday gain in absolute terms on Wednesday, surging nearly 14,000 points after reports of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran boosted investor sentiment.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, said the ceaseire between the United States, Israel and Iran presents a critical opportunity to ease the suffering of populations affected directly and indirectly by the war.
Youssouf said the agreement reflects commendable leadership and a shared commitment to the de-escalation that the union has consistently called for.
He added that diplomacy guided by the United Nations Charter remains the only viable path to resolving international crises.
(Source: AP)
Jan Engeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, an international aid group, said the two-week ceasefire will allow scaling up of assistance for millions of refugees and displaced people in Iran. He called for more funding to humanitarian operations.
"But we have only some funding from Scandinavians," he wrote on X. "How come there are easily billions for war, but no funding for the victims of the war?"
(Source: AP)
Attacks are reportedly continuing in Iran despite the official ceasefire. Iran has claimed that an attack was carried out on the Lavan refinery. Iran also claims that a refinery on Siri Island has been attacked.
After the attack on the Lavan refinery, missile and drone attacks were carried out on the UAE and Kuwait.
The State of Qatar expressed its welcome for the announcement of the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering it an initial step toward de-escalation, and affirming the necessity of building upon it urgently to prevent the expansion of tensions in the region.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation for the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, particularly the efforts of His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister, and His Excellency Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Army Staff of the Pakistani Army, as well as all parties that assumed the role of mediation and commendable endeavors that contributed to reaching the ceasefire.
بيان | دولة قطر ترحب بإعلان وقف إطلاق النار بين الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية
— الخارجية القطرية (@MofaQatar_AR) April 8, 2026
الدوحة | 8 أبريل 2026
تعرب دولة قطر عن ترحيبها بإعلان وقف إطلاق النار بين الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية، وتعدّه خطوة أولية في اتجاه خفض التصعيد،… pic.twitter.com/yNHsP3oknU
Lebanon's presidency welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, hoping it's a first step towards a comprehensive agreement. The Lebanese Presidency said:
(Source: Al Arabiya News on X)
The Kuwait army said that air defenses are dealing with Iranian drone attacks since 8 a.m. (0500 GMT). It also said it intercepted drones, some of which targeted vital oil facilities and power stations, in the south of the country causing major infrastructure damage.
بيان رقم ( 55)
— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) April 8, 2026
صادر عن المتحدث الرسمي لوزارة الدفاع
العقيد الركن سعود عبدالعزيز العطوان
تتعامل الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية منذ الساعة الثامنة من صباح اليوم ولغاية الآن، لموجة مكثفة من الهجمات الإيرانية المعادية الآثمة، حيث تم التعامل مع عدد (28) طائرة مسيّرة، استهدفت دولة… pic.twitter.com/5bQ3LRHztp
The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates said that the UAE air defenses are currently engaging with missile and drone attacks originating from Iran.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. UAE Air Defences system are actively engaging with missiles and UAV threats MOD asserts that the sounds heard across the country are the result of ongoing engaging operations of missiles and UAV's
تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من ايران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الاصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة تعامل منظومات الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية للصواريخ الباليستية، والجوالة والطائرات المسيرة.
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) April 8, 2026
UAE Air Defences system… pic.twitter.com/bxRII5tyBm
France's President Emmanuel Macron welcomes the ceasefire announcement, stating it's a positive step towards protecting French nationals and interests, supporting regional partners, and working towards de-escalation and peace. "The announcement of this ceasefire is a very good thing. We have had the same objective since the first day: to protect our nationals and our interests, to stand by our regional partners, and to work toward de-escalation to restore peace and freedom of navigation," Macron wrote on X.
L’annonce de ce cessez-le-feu est une très bonne chose.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 8, 2026
Nous avons depuis le premier jour le même objectif : protéger nos ressortissants et nos intérêts, être aux côtés de nos partenaires régionaux et travailler à la désescalade pour ramener la paix et la liberté de navigation. pic.twitter.com/DzxdDSL5rv
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian hailed the ceasefire agreement with the US as a victory, crediting the efforts of the late leader Ayatollah Khamenei and the Iranian people.
In a post on X, he wrote, "The ceasefire, with the acceptance of the general principles desired by Iran, was the fruit of the blood of our great martyred leader Khamenei and the achievement of the presence of all the people on the scene. From today onward, we will also remain together. Whether in the field of diplomacy, whether in the field of defense, whether on the street scene, and whether in the arena of service provision." [sic]
آتشبس با پذیرش اصول کلی مورد نظر ایران، ثمره خون رهبر شهیدمان خامنهای بزرگ و دستاورد حضور همه مردم در صحنه بود. از امروز نیز همچنان کنار هم خواهیم ماند. چه در میدان دیپلماسی، چه در میدان دفاع، چه در صحنه خیابان و چه در عرصه خدمترسانی.#باهم_بودنمان_پیروزی_است
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) April 8, 2026
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, calling it a positive development that brings relief to millions. He pushed for a permanent agreement to end the war, restore security, and promote development in the region.
In a post on X, he wrote, "I followed, in the early hours of this morning, the announcement of reaching a ceasefire agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This news has undoubtedly brought relief to the hearts of millions of peace-loving people across all corners of the earth, and I pray to God—Almighty and Exalted—that this positive development will be crowned with a permanent agreement to halt the war in the region, restore security and stability therein, and achieve the aspirations of its peoples for development, progress, and prosperity."
تابعت فى الساعات الأولى من صباح اليوم إعلان التوصل لاتفاق وقف إطلاق النار بين الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية، وهو خبر بلا شك أثلج صدور الملايين من محبى السلام فى سائر بقاع الأرض، وأدعو الله - عز وجل - أن يُكلل ذلك التطور الإيجابي باتفاق دائم لوقف الحرب…
— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) April 8, 2026
Israel's Head of the Opposition Yair Lapid said that he will hold a press conference on the what he calls the "complete failure to achieve war objectives."
In a post on X, Lapid wrote, "Following the government's complete failure to achieve the war's objectives - I will hold a special press conference today at 18:10 p.m. (around 8:30 p.m. IST) The press conference is open for coverage and an opportunity for reporters' questions will be provided." [sic]
בעקבות הכישלון המוחלט של הממשלה בהשגת יעדי המלחמה - אקיים היום בשעה 18:10 מסיבת עיתונאים מיוחדת. המסע״ת פתוחה לסיקור ותינתן אפשרות לשאלות כתבים.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) April 8, 2026
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain welcomed the ceasefire and in a post on X wrote, "Ceasefires are always good news. Especially if they lead to a just and lasting peace. But this momentary relief cannot make us forget the chaos, the destruction, and the lives lost. The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket. What's needed now: diplomacy, international legality, and PEACE."
Los alto al fuego siempre son una buena noticia. Sobre todo si conducen a una paz justa y duradera. Pero el alivio momentáneo no puede hacernos olvidar el caos, la destrucción y las vidas perdidas.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 8, 2026
El Gobierno de España no aplaudirá a quienes incendian el mundo porque se…
Shares of state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) picked a sharp rally on Wednesday, April 8, surging upto 10% intraday after global crude oil price crashed 15% on the 15-day US-Iran ceasefire deal. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) led the surge, rising over 10%, followed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), which rose more than 8%, and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), up over 7%. The rally tracked a sharp crash in global oil prices, with Brent crude due for May delivery pluging 6% at $103 per barrel.
In a post on X, Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said, "For now the world has stepped back from disaster. But there’s no room for complacency. Serious negotiations now required for lasting peace. Oman will support this work for the vital and urgent purpose of strong and enduring regional security." [sic]
For now the world has stepped back from disaster. But there’s no room for complacency. Serious negotiations now required for lasting peace. Oman will support this work for the vital and urgent purpose of strong and enduring regional security. https://t.co/TjFP8TBDIX
— Badr Albusaidi - بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) April 8, 2026
Speaking on the Hormuz Strait disruptions, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, told ANI, "This is in the hands of Iran, and they will decide what has to be done. Before this war, the Strait of Hormuz was open. No one had any problem passing the Strait of Hormuz. Everyone was happy for that one, and no one got any problems, crises or conflicts through this Strait. But this aggression and this war created a lot of problems in the world, including the Strait of Hormuz. Now, we have a ceasefire for some days. We hope that this ceasefire will continue."
The Portuguese Government welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz achieved by the United States and Iran. Portugal thanks the mediation of Pakistan and, likewise, the efforts of all its partners in the negotiations.
"This is a decisive first step toward a lasting and sustainable diplomatic solution to the conflict. Portugal has supported and continues to support this diplomatic path with all its commitment, as it made clear in the contacts over the past two days with the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Egypt," Portugal Foreign Affairs Ministry wrote on X.
O Governo português saúda o acordo de cessar-fogo e de abertura do estreito de Ormuz alcançado pelos Estados Unidos e Irão. Portugal agradece a mediação do Paquistão e, bem assim, os esforços de todos os seus parceiros nas negociações.
— Negócios Estrangeiros PT (@nestrangeiro_pt) April 8, 2026
Este é um primeiro passo determinante para…
In a statement on the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a post on X said, "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF has ceased fire in the operation against Iran, and is highly prepared to respond defensively against any violation. Overnight, the IDF conducted a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting missile launch sites and launchers across Iran, in order to significantly degrade its launching capabilities."
"Simultaneously, in Lebanon, the IDF is continuing to conduct targeted ground operations against Hezbollah. The IDF will continue to operate across all fronts to defend Israel," added IDF.
⭕️ In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF has ceased fire in the operation against Iran, and is highly prepared to respond defensively against any violation.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 8, 2026
Overnight, the IDF conducted a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting missile launch sites and…
Abu Dhabi authorities said that a fire broke out at the Habshan gas facility due to falling debris from a successful interception by air defence systems.
The Abu Dhabi's Media Office, in a post on X, wrote, "As part of the ongoing follow up to the previously reported incident at Habshan gas complex, Abu Dhabi authorities can confirm that it was caused by falling debris, following a successful interception by air defence systems, resulting in multiple fires and minor injuries to two Emiratis and one Indian national. Operations have been suspended and further updates will be provided in due course. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified information."
As part of the ongoing follow up to the previously reported incident at Habshan gas complex, Abu Dhabi authorities can confirm that it was caused by falling debris, following a successful interception by air defence systems, resulting in multiple fires and minor injuries to two…
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 8, 2026
(Sources to NDTV)
India on Wednesday welcomed the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran announced by both sides and expressed hope in unimpeded freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In an official statement, Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs said, "We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, deescalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict. The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz." [sic]
Statement on the recent development in West Asia ⬇️
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 8, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/WwFCi4kXHg pic.twitter.com/wmsF4YUb7j
According to ISNA news agency:
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer welcomed the ceasefire agreement. In a post on X, he wrote, "I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world. Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz."
I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 8, 2026
Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, thanking Pakistan for its mediation efforts. In a post on X, Merz wrote, "I welcome the two-week ceasefire that the USA and Iran agreed upon overnight. Our thanks go to Pakistan for its mediation. The goal must now be to negotiate a permanent end to the war. We are in close consultation with our partners on this." [sic]
I welcome the two-week ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran last night.
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) April 8, 2026
We thank Pakistan for its mediation.
The aim now is to negotiate a lasting end to the war. We are in close coordination with our partners on this matter.
In Japan, Minoru Kihara, chief cabinet secretary, said his nation "welcomes the announcement as a positive development. We hope they reach an agreement."
Winston Peters, New Zealand's foreign minister, said on X, that his nation welcomed the effort to end the war. "While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire," he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the rationale behind the United States and Israel waging an "unjust war" against Iran as the ceasefire has led to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which was freely available to all before the conflict began.
"So the ceasefire allows a strait to reopen, a strait that was open & freely available to everyone to use before the war started. What exactly did this 39 day war achieve for the US? #UnjustWar," Abdullah posted on his personal X account.
So the ceasefire allows a strait to reopen, a strait that was open & freely available to everyone to use before the war started. What exactly did this 39 day war achieve for the US? #UnjustWar
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 8, 2026
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Sultanate of Oman's welcome of the announcement of the ceasefire between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, and appreciates the efforts exerted by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this regard and all parties calling for an end to the war.
The Sultanate of Oman affirms the importance of intensifying efforts now to find solutions capable of ending the crisis at its roots and achieving a permanent cessation of the state of war and hostile acts in the region.
;
#بيـان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن ترحيب سلطنة عُمان بإعلان وقف اطلاق النار بين الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وتُثمن الجهود التي بذلتها جمهورية باكستان الإسلامية في هذا الإطار وكافة الأطراف الداعية لوقف الحرب.
— وزارة الخارجية (@FMofOman) April 8, 2026
وتؤكد سلطنة عُمان على أهمية تكثيف الجهود… pic.twitter.com/vXxpYL5lJY
On Strait of Hormuz, Palestine ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh says, "Iran used this strait as the most significant leverage...What is amazing is that this war was started by the US and Israel with a clear goal of changing the Iranian regime, but they killed them, not changed them. There is a huge difference. This war ended (ceasefire) on the condition of the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before the war..."
#WATCH | Delhi | On Strait of Hormuz, Palestine ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh says, "Iran used this strait as the most significant leverage...What is amazing is that this war was started by the US and Israel with a clear goal of changing the Iranian regime, but they… pic.twitter.com/27AklgjZZe
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2026
Yair Lapid, Israel's opposition leader, slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war, calling it a "political disaster". In a post on X, Lapid said, "There has never been such a political disaster in all of our history. Israel wasn't even at the table when decisions were made concerning the core of our national security. The military carried out everything that was asked of it, the public demonstrated amazing resilience, but Netanyahu failed politically, failed strategically, and didn't meet a single one of the goals that he himself set."
"It will take us years to repair the political and strategic damage that Netanyahu wrought due to arrogance, negligence, and a lack of strategic planning, he added." [sic]
לא היה אסון מדיני כזה בכל תולדותינו. ישראל לא היתה אפילו ליד השולחן כשנעשו החלטות הנוגעות לליבת הבטחון הלאומי שלנו.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) April 8, 2026
הצבא ביצע את כל מה שביקשו ממנו, הציבור הציג חוסן מדהים, אבל נתניהו נכשל מדינית, נכשל איסטרטגית, לא עמד באף אחת מהמטרות שהוא בעצמו הציב.
ייקח לנו שנים לתקן את…
An informal group of ministers meeting is scheduled at 3 p.m. in Kartavya Bhavan on the situation in the Middle East. The meeting will be chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, sources told NDTV.
The announcement of a ceasefire, between the US and Iran, along with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, will provide immediate relief to exporters by easing shipping disruptions, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said.
"The ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz bring immediate relief to exporters by easing shipping disruptions, high freight rates, and insurance costs," FIEO President SC Ralhan said. He said while this should help normalise logistics in the short term, exporters will remain cautious given the temporary nature of the truce. "Sustained stability is essential for restoring confidence and ensuring smooth trade flows," Ralhan added.
(Source: AP)
Indian Embassy in Tehran issues advisory asking Indian nationals to exit Iran as soon as possible. The advisory read:
In continuation of the advisory of April 7, 2026, and in light of recent developments, Indian nationals still in Iran are strongly advised to expeditiously exit Iran, in coordination with the Embassy and using the routes suggested by the Embassy. It is again reiterated that there should be no attempt to approach any international land border without prior consultation and coordination with the Embassy.
The Embassy's emergency numbers are below.
Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in
⚠️ Advisory as on 08 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/pusFQIAKKI
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) April 8, 2026
Indian airlines Air India and IndiGo have decided that selected flights will fly over the Middle East on Wednesday due to service dependency on current airport safety conditions and official clearances in the region, according to reports.
The King Fahd Causeway, a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia and the island kingdom of Bahrain, reopened Wednesday morning after an hourslong closure over possible incoming fire from Iran. The King Fahd Causeway Authority said in its announcement on X that vehicle traffic has resumed.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, said in a statement early Wednesday that it will halt its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks. The announcement came hours after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks on US bases and other facilities in the country in solidarity with Tehran since the war began.
(Source: AP)
Secretary-General António Guterres calls on all parties “to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region,” his spokesperson said. Guterres also calls on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement
International law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. "The secretary-general underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering," Dujarric said.
Jean Arnault, the secretary-general's personal envoy, is in the region "to support efforts toward lasting peace," the spokesperson said.
(Source: AP)
On US President Trump's announcement on the ceasefire, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar says, "In the simplest terms, the war has ended with Iran possessing what I call advantage plus. The war began with President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asking for regime change. There has been no regime change. Then they shifted their objectives basically to the Hormuz Strait and to the clear passage of oil, energy, and fuel through this passage... Iran's advantage is that its oil, which had previously been sanctioned, is now freely available to the international market."
"That is a huge plus... The biggest loser so far in this war, apart from American prestige, is the American defence industry because its weapons have now proven to be vastly overpriced and vastly underperforming, and the principal beneficiaries of that are going to be Russia..."
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On US President Trump's announcement on the ceasefire, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar says, "In the simplest terms, the war has ended with Iran possessing what I call advantage plus. The war began with President Trump and… pic.twitter.com/CVlEmBb6FV
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2026
Indian markets are set for a strong start on Wednesday, with Gift Nifty signalling a 750‑point jump, as investors react to cooling Iran war fears and supportive global cues. However, experts speaking to NDTV Profit cautioned that while the immediate battle may have paused, broader uncertainties remain.
Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Iran's capital Wednesday morning after the ceasefire had been announced screamed: “Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!" Organisers tried at a point to calm demonstrators, but they continued the chants. They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street.
(Source: AP)
Bahrain sounded its missile alert siren, hours after the US and Iran said they reached a two-week ceasefire in the war. Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced the warning. It wasn't immediately clear from the ceasefire agreement when the fighting would be halted. Iran has fired missiles on the Gulf Arab states and Israel after the announcement.
After US President Donald Trump's statement on Iran, a prayer was organised by Tanzeem-e-Jafferi organisation. Special prayers were offered for the Iranian people and for Iran's victory in Hyderabad, Telangana.
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: After US President Donald Trump's statement on Iran, a prayer was organised by Tanzeem-e-Jafferi organisation. Special prayers were offered for the Iranian people and for Iran's victory. pic.twitter.com/XXUK9weujE
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2026
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia released an official statement in connection with the US-Israel-Iran Ceasefire deal. The statement read:
"Australia welcomes the agreement by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. The Australian Government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now.
Iran's de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices.
We have been clear the longer the war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be, and the greater the human cost.
Australia has been working with international partners in support of diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz so critical supplies can flow to those who need it, including the most vulnerable. We thank and support the work of negotiators, including Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, in advancing de-escalation efforts.
Australia wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict.
We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life." [sic]
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 8, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed under Iranian military management. It wasn't immediately clear whether that meant Iran would completely loosen its chokehold on the waterway.
The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the strait, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations they were directly involved in. The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction.
In addition to control of the strait, Iran's demands for ending the war include withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions and the release of its frozen assets.
(Source: AP)
In a dramatic turnaround, US President Donald Trump said he has called off planned strikes on Iran, backing a proposal—reportedly put forward by Pakistan—for a two-week halt in hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a latest post on social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said, "A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just “hangin’ around” in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will. Just like we are experiencing in the U.S., this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP." [sic]
After the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire deal, Ajay Bagga, Market Expert told NDTV Profit:
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the US and Israel's actions against Iran adding that hatred, anger, violence, and injustice never win, and courage always prevails. In a post on X, the Wayanad MP wrote, "Iranian men and women formed human chains around their country’s resources while western powers spoke in a despicable language, heralding the “end of a civilization." The world is watching and understanding as the veil of morality falls from across the face of the west. Hatred, anger, violence and injustice never win. Courage always wins."
Iranian men and women formed human chains around their country’s resources while western powers spoke in a despicable language, heralding the “end of a civilization”.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 8, 2026
The world is watching and understanding as the veil of morality falls from across the face of the west.…
Hezbollah has reportedly quoted Khamenei saying, "We will make the enemy kneel." The Lebanese group has not commented directly on the ceasefire. But Hezbollah shared a January statement by slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with a photo of ripped up US and Israeli flags.
US President Donald Trump announced a two‑week ceasefire with Iran. Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi indicated that transit through the Strait of Hormuz could be permitted during this period, provided the United States suspends all military actions against the Islamic Republic.
After the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire deal, James M. Dorsey. S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies told NDTV Profit:
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's said that Israel will support President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, provided Tehran immediately reopens the Strait of Hormuz and halts attacks on the US, Israel, and other countries in the region.
"Israel also supports the US effort to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Iran's Arab neighbors and the world," Prime Minister Netanyahu office said in a statement.
"The United States has told Israel that it is committed to achieving these goals, shares by the US, Israel and Israel's regional allies, in the upcoming negotiations," the statement added.
"The two-weeks ceasefire does not include Lebanon."
US President Donald Trump reportedly told AFP he believes China got Iran to negotiate.
BREAKING Trump tells AFP he believes China got Iran to negotiate pic.twitter.com/lGUDTVhvDM
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 8, 2026
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of Iran-backed armed factions, has announced a two-week suspension of operations in Iraq and the region, following a US-Iran ceasefire agreement. This move comes after US President Donald Trump agreed to halt attacks on Iran for two weeks, pending Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
After the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire deal, Dr. Richard Harris, Chief Executive, Port Shelter Investment Management spoke to NDTV saying:
Iran's 10-point conditions that the US has accepted as "workable":
The US is fundamentally committed to:
Iran's 10-point conditions that the US has accepted as "workable":
— Iran Consulate - Hyderabad (@IraninHyderabad) April 8, 2026
The US is fundamentally committed to:
🔹 Non-aggression
🔹 Continuation of Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz
🔹 Acceptance of enrichment
🔹 Lifting all primary sanctions
🔹 Lifting all secondary sanctions…
Gold Futures have surged up to 2.5% following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a temporary ceasefire and the subsequent decision to call off strikes on Iran, which in turn, has also agreed to halt hostilities and momentarily grant safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for the next two weeks.
Asian stock markets jumped on Wednesday after the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in their six-week long war that pulled oil prices lower.
ANNOUNCEMENT: pic.twitter.com/lYrBbWDLf1
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) April 8, 2026
Iran's supreme leader MOjtaba Khamenei has reportedly instructed all military units to stop firing, according to a statement read on state-run IRIB about two hours after President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal.
"This is not the end of the war but all military branches should follow the Supreme Leader's order and cease their fire," the statement said, as reported by CNN.
The Abu Dhabi media office said that the authorities are responding to a fire incident at Habshan gas-processing facility and further information will be provided in due course.
Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to a fire incident at Habshan gas-processing facility.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 8, 2026
Further information will be provided in due course.
The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified…
Brent prices have fallen sharply following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a temporary ceasefire, just hours after he threatened to end the Iran civilisation. Brokered by the Pakistani government, Trump has confirmed he has ordered his troops to call off the strikes on Iran, which has agreed to the two-week ceasefire proposal.
Even as the ceasefire was announced, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday, hinting at the chaos surrounding the diplomatic moves.
Israel has also agreed to the terms of the two-week ceasefire agreement, according to a White House official who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
But there are concerns in Israel about the agreement, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media. The person said Israel would like to achieve more.
(Source: AP)
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said the ceasefire extends to Israel and Hezbollah halting fighting in Lebanon.
Sharif, in a post on X hours earlier, urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. He used the same post to ask Iran to open the strait for two weeks.
In a post on X, Sharif wrote, "With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes. Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability. We earnestly hope, that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days!"
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
I warmly welcome the…
US President Donald Trump said he had come to the decision of ceasefire "based on conversations" with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen Asim Munir, Pakistan's army chief.
(Source: AP)
Israel is part of the two-week ceasefire that US President Donald Trump declared and will halt strikes on Iran as diplomatic negotiations are held, two White House officials tell Reuters.
Iran's demands for ending the war include control of the strait, the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions and the release of its frozen assets. The demands indicate an effort to remake both the geopolitical order in the Middle East and the global oil trade.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement read:
"On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I express gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers HE Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and HE Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region."
"In response to the brotherly request of PM Sharif in his tweet, and considering the request by the US for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran's 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran's Supreme Natiqal Security Council."
"If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations."
For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations." [sic]
Statement on behalf of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran: pic.twitter.com/cEtBNCLnWT
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 7, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed for the next two weeks under Iranian military management.
In a post on social media website Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP." [sic]
US President Donald Trump backed down from his threat to attack Iran just under two hours before the deadline, agreeing to a two-week ceasefire. This move comes after Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. Trump cited Iran's 10-point peace plan as a "workable" basis for negotiations, stating that most points of contention have been resolved. Talks between the US and Iran are set to begin in Islamabad on Friday.
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