Jay Jackson
08 Apr 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - In a stunning 11th hour development, former President Donald J. Trump has announced on Truth Social that he has suspended a massive military operation against Iran, citing direct intervention from Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership.

According to Trump, the operation—described as a "destructive force" already en route to target the Islamic Republic—was halted just hours before impact. The pause came following urgent conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

"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… I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump wrote.

The President characterized the halt not as a retreat, but as a strategic victory, claiming that all U.S. military objectives had already "been met and exceeded."

HORMUZ HINGE

Central to the agreement is Iran's compliance with what Trump called the "COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz." The strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply, has long been a flashpoint for U.S.-Iranian tensions.

Trump framed the two-week window as a "double sided CEASEFIRE," during which his administration will negotiate a final agreement based on a "10 point proposal" submitted by Tehran.

"Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran," Trump claimed, adding that the pause would allow a "Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East" to be finalized.

REACTIONS POUR IN

The announcement has sent shockwaves through global markets and diplomatic circles. Early in the day, oil futures dropped sharply on news that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open.

Pentagon officials have not yet publicly confirmed the existence of the strike package Trump referenced. However, defense analysts noted that movements of naval assets in the Persian Gulf over the past 48 hours had suggested heightened readiness.

Critics were quick to question the logistics of a "halt" mid-mission, while supporters hailed the move as a breakthrough in decades of hostility. Iranian state media has not yet responded, though regional sources indicate emergency meetings are underway in Tehran.

Speaking on behalf of the "Countries of the Middle East," Trump concluded his message on a triumphant note: "It is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution."

The White House has not yet released an official transcript of the calls with Pakistani leadership, however it has published a transcript of the president's Truth Social post.

The two-week ceasefire clock is now ticking.