U.S. Bombings Halt as Iran Accepts Two‑Week Ceasefire

Situation on the Ground

On the night of April 6, U.S. forces struck dozens of targets on Iran’s oil hub, Kharg Island, as President Donald Trump warned the world that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless Tehran met his demands. Iranian state‑affiliated media later reported that most of the island’s infrastructure remained intact, and satellite data confirmed limited damage to the maritime facilities that handle roughly 90 % of Iran’s oil exports.

Diplomatic Turnaround

Less than two hours before Trump’s self‑imposed deadline, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CNN that more news would follow, hinting at possible talks. By early morning, Tehran announced it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz for civilian traffic for the next two weeks, a concession that paved the way for a cease‑fire agreement.

Market Reaction

Global oil prices plunged nearly 15 % after Trump announced the suspension of the planned attacks, while U.S. crude futures fell about 9 % to $103 a barrel. The S&P 500 gained 1.6 % and the dollar slipped against major currencies.

What Comes Next

The two‑week truce, pending Iranian compliance, is intended to de‑escalate the conflict and allow humanitarian relief. Observers note that the durability of the pause hinges on whether Tehran can keep the Hormuz corridor open and whether the U.S. will resume strikes if the terms are breached.