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A woman passes by a damaged building at the site of an Israeli strike on April 8, located on Corniche al-Mazraa in Beirut, Lebanon, as captured on April 13, 2026. — Reuters
The European Union has expressed support for Lebanon’s ceasefire declaration. Meanwhile, disagreements persist regarding Iran’s nuclear program, according to an Iranian official. President Trump announced that Lebanon and Israel will initiate a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST, signaling a hopeful step toward ending the ongoing conflict.
Trump shared via social media that the ceasefire was achieved after productive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. “Both leaders agree that a 10-day ceasefire begins at 5 p.m. EST to promote peace,” he stated. “Both sides are eager for peace, and I believe it will come swiftly.”
He also instructed Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to work together toward lasting peace. The conflict, which resumed in Lebanon on March 2 when Hezbollah supported Iran’s attacks, has escalated into a broader regional crisis involving Iran and its allies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a relief as the conflict has already caused too many lives lost.
A potential breakthrough has been made on a long-standing dispute between the US and Iran. Thousands have been killed in Iran and Lebanon since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory airstrikes and reigniting hostilities with Hezbollah.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global oil and gas trade passes—has caused historic oil price shocks and threatened the global economy, prompting warnings from the IMF about recession risks if conflict continues.
In recent negotiations, a Pakistani intermediary reportedly made progress on the tough aspects of a potential deal, although Iran has indicated that its nuclear program remains unresolved. Trump has stated that an agreement would allow a permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran’s top military leader, Field Marshal Asim Munir, recently traveled to Tehran after meetings in Islamabad aimed at preventing further escalation. A senior Iranian official indicated that these talks increased hopes for a second round of negotiations and a possible extension of the current ceasefire, though fundamental differences regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions still exist.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American forces are prepared to resume combat operations if talks with Iran fall apart. “We are ready with increased force and intelligence for critical infrastructure, power plants, and energy sites,” he said. However, sources close to the negotiations suggest a tentative deal is imminent, with the US willing to lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets if a comprehensive agreement is reached.
Iran has conditioned the opening of the strait on the finalization of a ceasefire and UN assurances that the US and Israel will not attack again. Talks are expected to resume soon in Islamabad, although no set date has been announced.
Stock markets have surged amid hopes for a swift resolution, with equities reaching record highs. Nonetheless, oil prices remain volatile, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the ceasefire and the broader region.
A key sticking point remains Iran’s nuclear program. The US proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear activity—an extension from previous demands for a permanent ban—while Tehran offered a shorter halt of three to five years. The US also insists on removing highly enriched uranium (HEU), while Iran demands the lifting of international sanctions. Some signs suggest Iran might consider shipping part of its HEU stockpile out of the country, which could signal a compromise.
In summary, diplomatic efforts continue amid high tensions, with international actors hopeful for a sustainable peace that can prevent further conflict and stabilize global markets.
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