A ceasefire of two weeks was reached in extremis between Washington and Tehran, avoiding an immediate escalation. However, questions remain regarding the nuclear issue, Lebanon, and peace conditions, amid criticism against Donald Trump.
Published on 08/04/2026 at 07:39 and updated at 07:40, the ceasefire was a relief for the Middle East as the U.S. and Iran agreed on a two-week ceasefire just before Donald Trump’s ultimatum expired. The first consequence was a temporary halt to hostilities. The world held its breath as relief came at 12:37, French time, approximately 90 minutes before the ultimatum expiration, where Trump had issued an unprecedented threat against Iran.
On Tuesday, Trump confirmed through his usual communication channel that he had agreed to postpone attacks for two weeks to finalize a long-term peace agreement in exchange for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz based on a ten-point Iranian plan. The details of the plan are yet to be fully disclosed, but reportedly include a non-aggression principle, lifting of all international sanctions, Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, and acceptance of Iran’s uranium enrichment.
Challenges are already emerging, especially concerning the ceasefire’s scope. Washington and Israel find some of Iran’s proposals hard to accept, particularly the aspect related to Lebanon. Disagreements between Israel and the U.S. might complicate negotiations scheduled to occur in Islamabad, Pakistan, where nuclear issues are anticipated to be a point of contention.
While Donald Trump claimed victory on Wednesday, emphasizing a complete triumph, doubts remain about the significance of simply reopening a strait that was accessible before the war started. The Iranian regime, on the other hand, can highlight its resilience against the threat of complete annihilation. Criticism of Trump’s strategy and governance capacity is expected.
The debate is intensifying in the U.S., with conservative figures joining the Democrat opposition to question the president’s mental health, especially considering his recent provocative statements. This has even drawn criticism from the American pope, Leon XIV. Calls for invoking the 25th amendment to impeach Trump due to his alleged incapacity to govern are gaining traction.
