Have the US and Iran Both Claimed Victory? No Agreement Yet, Next Key Date April 10

Early April 8 Beijing time—near the original “ultimatum” deadline—Iran struck a two-week ceasefire deal with the U.S. and Israel under special terms. With Iran coordinating, the Strait of Hormuz will be safe for passage over the next two weeks. Notably, both sides later claimed victory. U.S. President Trump told Agence France-Presse in an April 7 interview that Iran’s uranium enrichment issue would be “perfectly resolved.” He also called the two-week ceasefire a “total and complete victory” for the U.S. Per CCTV News, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) congratulated all Iranians on the victory in a statement, which outlined U.S. commitments in principle: - No further military action - Recognition of Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz - Acceptance of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities - Lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions on Iran - Payment of compensation for Iran’s losses But that statement was quickly contradicted in subsequent reports. Iranian Majlis Speaker Kalibaf will lead an Iranian delegation to talks with the U.S. in Islamabad, Pakistan; the U.S. delegation is led by Vice President Vance. The two sides are set to hold further negotiations in Islamabad on April 10 to reach a final agreement resolving all disputes. Separately, Iran’s Navy informed ships anchored near the Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday local time that they still need Iran’s permission to transit the strait. A recording shared by a crew member stated: “All ships must obtain permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy to pass through the strait. Any ship attempting to transit without permission will be destroyed.” Clearly, the ceasefire may only amount to a truce: the two sides have not reached consensus on specific points of contention, and their public statements remain as tough as ever.