SHAH ALAM - A dramatic last-minute diplomatic breakthrough saw the United States (US) and Iran agree to a temporary ceasefire just an hour before US President Donald Trump’s deadline for a major military escalation expired.
Here is a full breakdown of the fast-moving developments overnight:
Ceasefire reached at the brink
The United States has paused its military strikes on Iran following Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Tehran.
The agreement, proposed earlier by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is aimed at creating space for diplomatic negotiations, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key mediator and host for talks expected to begin Friday in Islamabad.
The truce is conditional on Iran reopening the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Iran confirmed its military would coordinate safe passage for vessels through the waterway during the ceasefire period.
Iran claims victory, pushes demands
Tehran cast the ceasefire as a strategic win, with its Supreme National Security Council saying it had forced Washington to accept a 10-point plan.
The proposal includes lifting long-standing US sanctions and recognition of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme — demands that could complicate negotiations.
Trump described the plan as “a workable basis” for further talks, signalling openness to diplomacy despite earlier threats.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s military operations would halt if attacks against the country stop.
Trump’s threats and last-minute reversal
Ahead of the agreement, Trump had issued stark warnings, threatening widespread destruction across Iran if demands were not met.
He set a firm deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of catastrophic consequences if it failed to comply. The ceasefire was finalised shortly before that ultimatum expired.
Strikes continue even after the ceasefire announcement
Despite the ceasefire announcement, military activity did not immediately stop.
Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was still carrying out strikes in Iran shortly after the truce was announced, according to military officials.
A senior White House official said Israel had agreed to be part of the ceasefire and would suspend its bombing campaign, though the situation on the ground suggested a lag in implementation.
Missile attacks reported across the region
Fresh missile and drone attacks were reported across the Gulf and Israel even after the ceasefire was declared.
Sirens sounded in multiple countries, with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates moving to intercept incoming threats. In Abu Dhabi, authorities responded to a fire at a major gas processing facility.
Qatar said it successfully intercepted a missile, while Bahrain and Saudi Arabia issued warnings urging residents to seek safety.
Israel also reported multiple missile launches from Iran, with emergency teams responding to impact sites in central areas.
Orders to halt fire, but delays expected
Iranian state media reported that the country’s supreme leadership had ordered all military units to stop firing roughly two hours after Trump’s announcement.
However, officials warned the halt may not be immediate due to Iran’s decentralised military structure, where regional commanders operate with a degree of autonomy. This could delay the full implementation of the ceasefire on the ground.
Heavy strikes before the truce
In the hours leading up to the deadline, US and Israeli forces carried out strikes on key infrastructure.
Targets included bridges and railways allegedly linked to Iran’s military operations. Iranian authorities reported casualties, while Israel acknowledged damaging a synagogue in Tehran during one of its operations, saying it had been targeting a senior commander.
Regional spillover and civilian toll
The conflict has continued to spill across borders.
Attacks linked to Iran struck Gulf states and Iraq, with civilian casualties reported, including children. The escalation has raised fears over regional stability and safety.
Oil prices plunge, markets rebound
Global markets reacted swiftly to signs of de-escalation.
Oil prices dropped by more than 17 per cent following the ceasefire announcement, easing pressure after weeks of volatility tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Asian stock markets rose in early trading, reflecting cautious optimism over a potential path to peace.
Diplomatic push gathers pace
Sharif welcomed the ceasefire and formally invited both US and Iranian leaders to Islamabad for talks on April 10, expressing hope that negotiations could lead to a lasting resolution.
Pakistan has leveraged its ties with both countries to act as a peace broker, offering a rare diplomatic bridge in a deeply polarised conflict.
Civilian fear and uncertainty
Despite the ceasefire, uncertainty remains high.
Residents across Iran and the wider region reported fear and confusion as attacks continued even after the announcement, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
While the ceasefire offers a temporary pause in hostilities, ongoing strikes, delayed compliance and deep political differences suggest the situation remains volatile, with the coming days of negotiations likely to be critical.