U.S., Iran, Israel Agree to Cease-Fire Amid War

TL;DR

U.S., Iran, and Israel agreed to a two-week cease-fire just before Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
War started February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes killing Iran's Supreme Leader; over 1,665 civilians dead in Iran, 13 U.S. service members killed.
Cease-fire holds fragilely amid disputes over Lebanon, failed nuclear talks, and new U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

The story at a glance

This New York Times live blog tracks the five-week Iran war, from U.S.-Israeli strikes to a Pakistan-brokered two-week cease-fire announced by President Trump on April 7, 2026, with mediation from Pakistan and China. Key players include Trump, Israel, Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Gulf states affected by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Updates cover the cease-fire's announcement, market reactions, death tolls, and tensions like Israeli strikes in Lebanon. It is reported now as the cease-fire faces tests from failed Islamabad talks and a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Key points

War began February 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders; Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and attacked ships and U.S. bases.
Death toll: at least 1,665 civilians in Iran (including 244 children), over 1,500 in Lebanon, 32 in Gulf nations, 20 in Israel, 13 U.S. service members.
Trump threatened to "wipe out" Iran's civilization by hitting infrastructure if Hormuz stayed closed; cease-fire announced hours before his April 7 deadline, with Iran agreeing to coordinate safe passage.
Israel backs cease-fire but says it excludes Lebanon, where it continues strikes against Hezbollah; U.S. strikes paused, Iran halts defensive operations.
Oil prices plunged post-cease-fire to $93-$94 a barrel (Brent), U.S. gas at $4.16/gallon (up 40%); stocks surged.
Weekend Islamabad talks failed: U.S. sought 20-year nuclear enrichment halt, Iran offered 5 years; Trump started blockade of Iranian ports April 13.

Details and context

The war escalated after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for 20% of global oil, prompting Trump's infrastructure threats and U.S. strikes on bridges, power plants, and a public health site. Iran involved Hezbollah, leading to over 1,500 Lebanese deaths and Israeli responses. The cease-fire lets Iran control Hormuz but requires military coordination for safe passage; U.S. pledged help clearing mines and traffic.

Post-cease-fire, confusion arose over Lebanon inclusion—Pakistan claimed yes, Israel no—and minor strikes continued. Islamabad talks under the two-week pause broke down on nuclear terms, with Iran rejecting U.S. demands for enriched uranium removal and full navigation rights. The U.S. blockade targets Iranian vessels and ports but spares non-Iranian strait traffic; UK and France declined to join.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/04/07/world/iran-war-trump-news)[[2]](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-blockade-iran-after-talks-fail-yield-a-deal-2026-04-13)

Damage includes Tehran sites like a mosque, synagogue, and university; Iranian Americans fear reprisals. Markets volatile: oil spiked over $100 before falling, disrupting jet fuel.

Key quotes

President Trump: "Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell."[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/04/07/world/iran-war-trump-news)
Trump on cease-fire: Agreed "to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” if Hormuz reopens.[[3]](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/live-updates-iran-war-trump-deadline-hormuz-infrastructure-ceasefire-rcna267039)

Why it matters

The war disrupts global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, risking higher energy prices and economic shocks worldwide. U.S. consumers face $4+ gas, airlines jet fuel shortages, businesses supply chain issues; investors see volatile stocks and oil. Watch cease-fire expiry around April 21, potential second Islamabad talks, Iranian retaliation to blockade, and Lebanon escalation—outcomes uncertain amid dueling threats.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/04/07/world/iran-war-trump-news)