Trump Negotiates Fragile Ceasefire After Operation Epic Fury Campaign

Following a 40-day military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, Donald Trump announced a provisional two-week ceasefire with Iran on April 7, 2026. The conflict, which began on February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, involved over 13,000 U.S. strikes targeting Iran's nuclear industrial base, air defenses, and naval fleet. U.S. officials described the outcome as a decisive victory, claiming they destroyed 90% of Iran's weapons factories and most of its regular navy. However, the war caused significant global economic instability as Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices above $110 per barrel.

The ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, is contingent on the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remain high as Iran has repeatedly re-closed the waterway and launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against Gulf nations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, despite the truce. A primary diplomatic rift exists over the scope of the agreement: Iran and Pakistan assert it includes Lebanon, while the U.S. and Israel maintain that ongoing Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon are excluded.

Domestically, the conflict sparked intense political divide in the U.S. Democratic lawmakers called for Trump's removal, citing his Truth Social threats that a "whole civilization will die tonight" as evidence of instability. Conversely, some legislators endorsed the operation as a necessary blow to Iranian nuclear ambitions. Negotiations to establish a permanent peace deal are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance leading the American delegation.