POLITICO: World breathes easier as US, Iran agree short-term ceasefire “Better TACO Tuesday than World War III”

On April 7, the world, anxiously awaiting an end to President Donald Trump’s apocalyptic threats, breathed a sigh of relief as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, POLITICO reports, despite lingering concerns over potential new risks.

“Better TACO Tuesday than World War III,” a European official told the newspaper, supporting Trump, who had abandoned threats to destroy Iranian civilisation if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The official also expressed hope that the pause would allow the conflict to be resolved through negotiations.

According to the report, the ceasefire was announced by President Trump about ninety minutes before the end of a US ultimatum, following talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Iran confirmed its willingness to temporarily halt hostilities under certain conditions and agreed to a temporary navigation arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz.

In Europe and the Middle East, the announcement came late at night, and many U.S. allies refrained from immediate public statements. However, the dramatic pause prompted some governments to quickly express support.

Iraq’s foreign ministry expressed support for the ceasefire and stated it “values this development as a step that would contribute to reducing tensions, enhancing opportunities for de-escalation, and reinforcing security and stability in the region.”

Australia also praised the agreement, stating it “wants to see the ceasefire upheld and a resolution to the conflict,” noting that Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on ships and energy infrastructure had destabilised global markets, and urging “all parties” to respect international law.

Pakistan, which played a key role in facilitating the ceasefire, expressed hope that it would mark a turning point in the war. 

“Both parties have displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding and have remained constructively engaged in furthering the cause of peace and stability,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on social media.

Despite the announcement, the early hours following the ceasefire appeared unstable. After the White House said Israel had agreed to the ceasefire, an Israeli military representative told the Associated Press that the country was still striking Iran. Both Israel and the United Arab Emirates issued early morning warnings of incoming missiles on April 8 local time.

POLITICO noted that the ceasefire was reached ahead of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s visit to the White House. 

Potential US strikes on Iran could have created a tense atmosphere for the meeting and affected relations with European allies, many of whom refused to support Washington’s push to enter the conflict. Negotiations between the US and Iran are scheduled to begin later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan.

By Jeyhun Aghazada