Assessing the U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: Diplomatic Paths Toward Peace and Regional Stability

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:12:00 +0200

On April 7, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the United States and Iran following over a month of intense conflict that saw American and Israeli forces striking Iranian targets and Tehran responding with attacks on oil infrastructure. The war triggered a global energy crisis and widespread destruction. According to a former U.S. diplomat, there are typically three ways nations reach ceasefires: when one side sues for peace, when a major power forces negotiations, or when both sides become exhausted by war’s costs — the latter being the case now. Pakistan played a key role as mediator after sensing that both Washington and Tehran sought a pause. The ceasefire could lead in one of three directions: a quick collapse with resumed fighting, an extended lull without clear peace, or genuine negotiations toward a lasting agreement. For peace to hold, Iran would need to give up nuclear ambitions and stop supporting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, while seekin