US-Iran Ceasefire Halts Strait of Hormuz Exchanges

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on April 8, halting nearly 40 days of military exchanges that began on February 28 and severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil trade.

The truce, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump just before a self-imposed deadline for resuming attacks, requires Iran to allow safe passage for vessels through the strait during the period. In exchange, the U.S. has suspended airstrikes and other operations against Iran. Trump described the agreement on his social media platform as a step toward global peace, stating, "The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action!" Iranian officials confirmed the pause in hostilities and outlined a special navigation route for ships, directing them to pass north of Larak Island and exit south of it to avoid naval mines in restricted areas. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps emphasized that vessels must adhere to Iranian territorial waters, with risks remaining for unauthorized ships, particularly those linked to the U.S. or Israel.