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Artemis II crew returns from lunar voyage with Pacific splashdown

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Artemis II crew returns from lunar voyage with Pacific splashdown

HOUSTON — The four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission safely returned to Earth on Friday, completing a historic lunar flyby and ending humanity’s first crewed journey beyond low-Earth orbit in more than five decades.

The capsule, named Integrity, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego after reentering Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds, marking the conclusion of a nearly 10-day mission that tested the next phase of lunar exploration.

The crew, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, endured a high-risk reentry sequence as their spacecraft entered the atmosphere at Mach 33, experiencing a communication blackout while surrounded by intense plasma heating.

Mission controllers at NASA’s Houston facility monitored the descent closely as the Orion capsule’s heat shield withstood temperatures of several thousand degrees during reentry. The spacecraft deployed its parachutes as planned before executing a controlled splashdown, which officials described as a precise landing.

“Perfect bull’s-eye splashdown,” Mission Control confirmed moments after recovery teams secured the capsule aboard the USS John P. Murtha.

Launched from Florida on April 1, the Artemis II mission marked a major milestone in NASA’s renewed lunar program, designed to pave the way for long-term human presence on the Moon.

Although the spacecraft did not land on the lunar surface, it set a new distance record for human spaceflight, traveling farther from Earth than any previous crew, surpassing the Apollo 13 record. During its journey, the crew reached approximately 252,756 miles from Earth and conducted a lunar flyby that revealed never-before-seen views of the Moon’s far side.

The astronauts also witnessed a total solar eclipse from deep space, an event described by crew members as a deeply moving experience.

In addition to scientific observations, the mission highlighted human moments in space. The crew requested permission to name lunar craters after their spacecraft and the late wife of Commander Wiseman, a gesture that underscored the emotional significance of the mission.

Despite technical challenges during the flight, including issues with water and propulsion systems and intermittent toilet malfunctions, the astronauts maintained that the mission’s risks were part of advancing exploration.

NASA officials said the Artemis program will continue with Artemis III, which is expected to involve docking operations with a lunar lander, followed by a planned crewed landing near the Moon’s south pole under Artemis IV.

The successful return of Artemis II has been widely celebrated as a stepping stone toward sustained lunar exploration and eventual missions deeper into the solar system.


Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad ahead of critical peace talks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad ahead of critical peace talks

ISLAMABAD — An Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday for high-stakes peace talks with the United States, as last-minute demands from Tehran cast uncertainty over the start of negotiations.

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier announced a two-week ceasefire in the six-week conflict, just hours before a deadline after which he had warned of severe consequences for Iran. The truce has temporarily halted U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.

However, tensions remain elevated as Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies. Fighting also persists between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said talks would not begin unless Washington fulfills prior commitments, including unfreezing Iranian assets and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon. Qalibaf is leading the delegation alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, with a team of around 70 members composed of technical experts, officials, and support staff.

Speaking in Islamabad, Qalibaf said Iran approached the talks with goodwill but remained distrustful of the United States. He added that Tehran is prepared to reach an agreement if presented with what he described as a genuine deal that recognizes Iran’s rights.

In response, Trump said in a social media post that Iran holds limited leverage in the negotiations, asserting that its primary option is to engage in talks.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, expressed cautious optimism but warned that the United States would not be receptive to any attempts to manipulate the process.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the negotiations as a “make-or-break phase,” emphasizing that securing a permanent ceasefire will depend on resolving complex issues through dialogue.

Meanwhile, separate talks are expected in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials, although both sides have issued conflicting statements about the agenda. Israel has ruled out discussing a ceasefire with Hezbollah, while Lebanon has signaled interest in pursuing one.

Despite the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Israeli strikes have continued in southern Lebanon, with authorities reporting more than 1,900 deaths since early March.

Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has taken a firm stance ahead of the talks, vowing to seek compensation for wartime damage and to hold those responsible for attacks on Iran accountable.

Although Trump has declared success in weakening Iran’s military capabilities, the country retains the ability to launch missile and drone strikes and maintains a significant stockpile of enriched uranium.

Iran is expected to push for major concessions during the talks, including the lifting of long-standing economic sanctions and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could significantly shift the regional balance of power.

The ongoing disruption to energy supplies has contributed to rising inflation and slower global economic growth. Recent U.S. data showed monthly inflation rose by 0.9% in March, marking the fastest increase since 2022.

Pinas bumili ng 318 milyong litro ng krudo mula sa apat na bansa

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pinas bumili ng 318 milyong litro ng krudo mula sa apat na bansa

MAYNILA — Inatasan ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang Department of Energy sa pamamagitan ng Philippine National Oil Company na bumili ng kabuuang 318 milyong litro o katumbas ng dalawang milyong bariles ng krudo mula sa iba’t ibang bansa upang palakasin ang suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa.

Sa press briefing sa Malacañang, sinabi ni Sharon Garin na bahagi ito ng hakbang ng pamahalaan upang matiyak ang sapat na suplay ng langis sa gitna ng umiiral na tensyon sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Ayon kay Garin, inaasahang darating agad sa bansa ang 165 milyong litro mula sa kabuuang inangkat, na manggagaling sa Malaysia, Singapore, India, at Oman.

Dahil dito, tiniyak ng kalihim na hindi dapat mangamba ang publiko sa posibilidad ng kakulangan ng krudo sa bansa, sa kabila ng patuloy na kaguluhan sa Middle East.

Binigyang-diin ni Garin na kahit wala pa ang komite na tinutukoy bilang UPLIFT, nauna nang iniutos ng Pangulo sa PNOC na kumuha ng sariling suplay upang madagdagan ang reserba ng mga oil company sa Pilipinas.

“In fact, ang kabuuang 165 million liters ang ina-acquire ng PNOC. Ang target nito kasi is 318 million liters, 2 million barrels,” pahayag ni Garin.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, nagpapatuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaan sa iba pang bansa upang makahanap ng alternatibong mapagkukunan ng krudo at hindi lamang umasa sa Middle East, partikular sa Strait of Hormuz.

Nilinaw rin ni Garin na ang tinatawag na 50-araw na oil reserve ay hindi nangangahulugang mauubos ito sa loob ng nasabing panahon, kundi patuloy itong nadaragdagan sa oras na dumating ang mga bagong suplay sa bansa.

Melania Trump addresses Epstein controversy, drawing renewed attention to the issue

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Melania Trump addresses Epstein controversy, drawing renewed attention to the issue

Washington, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump publicly addressed the controversy surrounding convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, issuing a rare statement that has intensified scrutiny rather than quieting the issue.

Speaking from the White House, Trump denied any personal connection to Epstein beyond limited social encounters and rejected claims linking her to the case. “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump,” she said, adding that “the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.”

The first lady said she had never been friends with Epstein, though she acknowledged crossing paths with him in social circles in New York and Florida during her early relationship with Donald Trump. She also addressed a past email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, describing it as “casual correspondence” and “trivial.”

Her remarks come at a politically sensitive moment for the Trump administration, which is already facing criticism over its handling of the Epstein case and broader geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran. While there is no evidence of wrongdoing by either Melania or Donald Trump, the administration has been under pressure to clarify what officials knew about Epstein and his network.

The White House has repeatedly sought to downplay the issue, with the president previously describing it as a political distraction. However, the first lady’s decision to speak publicly has drawn renewed attention to the controversy and raised questions about internal coordination. Conflicting accounts emerged over whether the president had prior knowledge of her remarks.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse and advocacy groups responded critically, arguing that the statement shifts focus away from calls for accountability. In a joint statement, a group of survivors and relatives of victims, including those connected to Virginia Giuffre, said the remarks risk placing additional burden on victims while key documents and investigations remain unresolved.

Trump’s comments also included a call for women to be allowed to share their experiences publicly, stating that testimony should be formally recorded if survivors choose to come forward. The statement has added to ongoing debate over transparency, particularly regarding documents tied to the Epstein case that advocacy groups say have yet to be fully released.

On Capitol Hill, some Democratic lawmakers have called for further action, including the possibility of testimony from the first lady. Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said her public remarks could warrant formal scrutiny if Congress seeks additional clarity on the issue.

The episode underscores the continuing political and legal ramifications of the Epstein case, which has implicated numerous high-profile figures and remains a source of public and institutional pressure. It also adds to mounting challenges for the administration, as it navigates both domestic controversies and foreign policy tensions.

As debate over accountability and transparency continues, the first lady’s intervention is likely to shape the next phase of public and political discourse surrounding the Epstein case.

US and Iran set for ceasefire talks as Netanyahu approves negotiations with Lebanon

Venus L Peñaflor
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US and Iran set for ceasefire talks as Netanyahu approves negotiations with Lebanon

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Negotiations aimed at stabilizing the fragile truce are expected to proceed, though several unresolved issues threaten both the ceasefire and broader efforts to end the conflict permanently. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that planned discussions may not move forward unless Israeli military operations in Lebanon are halted.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed Washington for Pakistan ahead of the talks, expressing cautious optimism. “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll of course see,” Vance said, adding that the United States remains open to diplomacy if Iran engages in good faith.

U.S. President Donald Trump, however, criticized Tehran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of restricting maritime traffic in violation of understandings tied to the ceasefire. The vital waterway, once carrying about 20% of global oil trade, has seen a dramatic decline in ship movements since the conflict began.

Meanwhile, Israel is expected to begin separate negotiations with Lebanon in Washington next week, following authorization from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks aim to address the disarmament of Hezbollah and explore the possibility of formal relations between the two countries, which have technically been at war since 1948.

Despite diplomatic efforts, violence persists. Israeli airstrikes on Beirut earlier this week killed more than 300 people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, marking the deadliest day in the country since the conflict erupted on Feb. 28. Israel said it continued targeting rocket launchers in Lebanon following attacks on its northern territory.

Iranian officials have warned of strong retaliation if Israeli operations against Hezbollah continue. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said further strikes would carry “explicit costs and strong responses.”

On the ground in Lebanon, civilians continue to grapple with the aftermath of heavy bombardment. Residents have been seen searching through debris to recover belongings, with many expressing relief that family members survived despite widespread destruction.

Regional tensions have also extended beyond the immediate conflict zones. Kuwait reported a drone attack it attributed to Iran and allied militias, though Tehran denied involvement.

The economic impact of the crisis is intensifying. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising to around $97 per barrel, reflecting a more than 30% increase since the war began. Maritime congestion has worsened, with hundreds of vessels reportedly waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under uncertain conditions.

Uncertainty also surrounds Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, a central issue in the conflict. The United States maintains that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and has proposed removing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iranian officials insist their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and have underscored the country’s right to continue uranium enrichment as part of any agreement.

Casualty figures continue to mount. An Iranian official reported more than 3,000 deaths in Iran, though no official nationwide toll has been released. In Lebanon, over 1,800 people have been killed and approximately one million displaced. Additional casualties have been reported across the region, including in Israel, Gulf Arab states, and the occupied West Bank, along with fatalities among U.S. military personnel.

As diplomatic efforts advance, the situation remains precarious, with both military and political developments likely to shape the prospects for a lasting resolution.

Nagbukas ng bagong coast guard base ang Pilipinas sa pinag-aagawang South China Sea

Venus L Peñaflor
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Nagbukas ng bagong coast guard base ang Pilipinas sa pinag-aagawang South China Sea

MAYNILA — Pormal na pinasinayaan ng Pilipinas ang isang mahalagang base ng Coast Guard sa Thitu Island noong Huwebes, bilang bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng presensya ng bansa sa gitna ng patuloy na tensyon sa South China Sea.

Inilarawan ng mga opisyal ang bagong coast guard district command bilang isang “matatag na bantay ng ating soberanya” sa rehiyong inaangkin din ng China, gayundin ng Vietnam at Taiwan. Matagal nang okupado ng mga Pilipino ang isla, na kilala rin bilang Pag-asa, at tinitirhan ng humigit-kumulang 400 residente.

Pinangunahan nina Giovanni Lopez, Erwin Tulfo, at Ronnie Gil Gavan ang seremonya ng pagbubukas, kasabay ng paggunita sa Araw ng Kagitingan. Ayon kay Lopez, layunin ng pasilidad na ipakita ang kahandaan ng bansa na ipagtanggol ang karagatan, kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda, at pambansang soberanya.

Samantala, iniulat ng Philippine Coast Guard na pinaputukan ng flare ng mga puwersa ng China ang kanilang patrol aircraft sa ibabaw ng Subi Reef at Mischief Reef, na tinawag nitong isang malinaw at sinadyang pananakot na naglagay sa panganib sa mga tauhang Pilipino. Wala pang opisyal na pahayag ang China hinggil dito.

Patuloy na inaangkin ng China ang halos buong South China Sea sa kabila ng desisyon noong 2016 South China Sea Arbitration na nagpawalang-bisa sa malawak nitong claim sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Ang bagong pasilidad ay pamumunuan ng isang commodore at susuportahan ng mga tauhan, barko, at sasakyang panghimpapawid para sa pagpapatupad ng batas, pagmamanman, pangangalaga sa kalikasan, at search and rescue operations. Plano ring magtayo ng mas maliliit na outpost sa iba pang bahaging kontrolado ng Pilipinas.

Matatagpuan sa lalawigan ng Palawan, ang Pag-asa Island ay isa sa siyam na isla at bahura na hawak ng Pilipinas mula pa noong dekada 1970. Sa kabila ng mga modernisasyong tulad ng internet, runway, at mas maayos na suplay ng tubig at kuryente, nananatili itong isang maliit na pamayanan kumpara sa malalaking pasilidad na itinayo ng China sa mga kalapit na bahura.

Ayon sa lokal na opisyal na si MP Albayda, malaking tulong sa moral ng mga residente ang bagong base, lalo na’t araw-araw nilang nasasaksihan ang presensya ng mga barko ng Chinese coast guard at militia sa paligid ng isla.


Inaprubahan ni Marcos ang P10-per-liter fuel subsidy para sa PUV

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Inaprubahan ni Marcos ang P10-per-liter fuel subsidy para sa PUV

MAYNILA – Inaprubahan ni Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. ang pagbibigay ng P10 kada litro na subsidy sa krudo para sa mga public utility vehicle (PUV) upang maibsan ang pasanin ng mga tsuper at operator sa gitna ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis dulot ng tensyon sa Middle East.

Sa isang video message noong Huwebes, sinabi ng Pangulo na may takdang limitasyon ang subsidiya na hanggang 150 litro kada linggo at ipatutupad ito sa loob ng tatlong buwan. Uunahin ang implementasyon sa National Capital Region sa susunod na linggo, simula sa Commonwealth Avenue, bago palawakin sa iba pang pangunahing kalsada tulad ng Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, A. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, at Marcos Highway, hanggang sa maipatupad sa buong bansa.

Ayon kay Marcos, layunin din ng hakbang na mapigilan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at serbisyo. Idinagdag niya na ipatutupad lamang ang subsidiya sa mga lehitimong gasolinahan na aprubado at mino-monitor ng Department of Energy upang matiyak na hindi ito maaabuso.

Nauna nang sinabi ng Pangulo na sasamantalahin ng Pilipinas ang dalawang linggong ceasefire sa pagitan ng Estados Unidos at Iran upang makapag-angkat ng sapat na suplay ng petrolyo. Ayon naman sa isang source mula sa industriya ng langis, inaasahan ang bahagyang ginhawa o posibleng rollback sa presyo ng krudo sa mga susunod na araw.

Bukod dito, inanunsyo rin ng Pangulo ang pagpapatupad ng service contracting program na magbibigay ng bayad na mula P40 hanggang P100 kada kilometro para sa mga driver at operator ng PUV. Kalakip nito ang hindi bababa sa 20 porsiyentong diskwento sa pamasahe para sa mga pasahero.

Ipapatupad ang programa sa pangunguna ng Department of Transportation simula Abril 15, at inaasahang sasaklaw sa humigit-kumulang 50,000 PUV, 1,000 operator, at hanggang 15 milyong pasahero sa buong bansa.

Tiniyak ni Marcos na magkakaroon ng GPS monitoring ang mga sasaling sasakyan upang masiguro ang maayos at aktwal na biyahe, lalo na sa mga oras na hindi rush hour. Layunin nitong matiyak na tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo ng pampublikong transportasyon at ang kabuhayan ng mga tsuper.

Dagdag pa ng Pangulo, ang mga rutang saklaw ng programa ay tututok sa mga lugar na may koneksyon sa mga linya ng tren at pangunahing bus routes upang maging mas episyente, mabilis, at maaasahan ang biyahe ng mga commuter.


Pope Leo embarks on African tour to call for support for the continent’s needs

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Pope Leo embarks on African tour to call for support for the continent’s needs

Vatican City — Pope Leo is set to begin a 10-day visit to four African nations next week, aiming to draw global attention to the continent’s challenges and opportunities in his first major overseas trip of 2026.

From April 13 to 23, the pontiff will travel nearly 18,000 kilometers across 11 المدن and towns in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, in a demanding itinerary that includes 18 flights.

Senior Vatican official Cardinal Michael Czerny said the trip reflects the pope’s intention to bring sustained international focus to Africa, home to more than one-fifth of the world’s Catholics.

“By heading to Africa so early in his pontificate, the pope shows that Africa matters,” Czerny said. “He wants to make sure the continent is not overlooked as nations focus on their own concerns.”

The visit is considered a personal priority for Leo, the first American pope, and highlights the Church’s recognition of Africa as the fastest-growing region for Catholicism. Vatican data indicate that over 20 percent of Catholics worldwide live on the continent, with several countries reporting Catholic-majority populations.

In Equatorial Guinea, where more than 70 percent of citizens identify as Catholic, the pope’s visit will mark the first papal trip since 1982. By contrast, Algeria remains predominantly Muslim, with a small Catholic minority.

During the tour, Leo is expected to deliver 25 speeches and hold meetings with political leaders and local communities. In Algeria, he will promote interfaith dialogue and visit the Great Mosque of Algiers, marking only his second visit to a mosque as pope. He will also travel to Annaba to visit the historic site of Hippo, associated with St. Augustine of Hippo, a central figure in the Augustinian tradition to which Leo belongs.

In Cameroon, the pope will attend a “meeting for peace” in Bamenda, a region affected by years of conflict between government forces and separatist groups.

Church leaders say the visit carries a message of hope and reconciliation. Rev. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator noted that the trip would highlight Africa’s resilience while addressing ongoing humanitarian and political challenges.

“It will afford Pope Leo an opportunity to bring his message of hope, peace, and reconciliation to places where instability and intolerance have caused suffering,” he said.

The pope is also scheduled to visit the city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea, where he will pray at the site of a 2021 military barracks explosion that killed more than 100 people.

Observers say the tour underscores the Vatican’s effort to elevate Africa’s role in global discussions. Djamila Cassoma, a lawyer and entrepreneur in Angola, said the visit could help drive international awareness and action.

“The choice of Africa for this tour is not random,” she said. “Many of the major global challenges are concentrated here, but it is also where solutions can be reimagined.”

Iran publishes chart showing it may have put sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz as a fragile ceasefire holds

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran publishes chart showing it may have put sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz as a fragile ceasefire holds

Dubai — Semiofficial media outlets in Iran on Thursday released a chart indicating that the country’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may have deployed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during recent hostilities, signaling potential leverage as a fragile ceasefire enters its early days.

The development comes amid uncertainty surrounding a two-week truce involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with further negotiations expected to take place in Pakistan.

While the ceasefire has largely held, Tehran and Washington have presented conflicting interpretations of its terms. Iran has claimed it secured the right to control the Strait of Hormuz, impose transit tolls, and continue uranium enrichment. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained that the agreement requires the waterway to remain open and mandates Iran to relinquish its uranium stockpile.

The chart, published by ISNA and Tasnim news agencies, depicted a “danger zone” over established shipping lanes in the strait, a critical chokepoint through which roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas supplies have historically passed. The map suggested vessels diverting closer to Iranian territorial waters near Larak Island, a route reportedly used by some ships during the conflict. It remains unclear whether any mines have since been cleared.

Global markets reacted cautiously to the ongoing tensions. Oil prices climbed above $97 per barrel, with Brent crude rising 2.9 percent to $97.46 and U.S. benchmark crude gaining 3.7 percent to $97.94. Asian equities declined, reflecting skepticism over the durability of the ceasefire.

Shipping activity through the strait appeared limited. Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed only four vessels with active tracking systems transiting the waterway on the first day of the truce, although the figure excludes so-called “dark fleet” ships that operate with tracking systems turned off, often transporting sanctioned Iranian oil.

Trump signaled continued military pressure, stating that U.S. forces would remain deployed in the region until full compliance with what he described as the “real agreement.” In a social media post, he warned of a significantly escalated response should the terms not be met, while reiterating that Iran would not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and secure.

Despite the ceasefire, violence has persisted in the region. Israel intensified strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including attacks in Beirut that resulted in at least 182 fatalities, according to reports. Additional overnight strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least seven more people, though the Israeli military did not immediately comment.

The continued hostilities have raised concerns about the stability of the agreement. JD Vance described the truce as “fragile,” while Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said planned negotiations were “unreasonable,” citing alleged violations of Tehran’s conditions, including continued Israeli strikes and reported incursions into Iranian airspace.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that the ceasefire extended to Lebanon. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump have both said the agreement does not cover operations there. Pakistani officials, who helped mediate the deal, have suggested it applies broadly across the region.

A U.S.-based think tank, The Soufan Center, warned that the ceasefire remains at risk of collapse, noting that the scale of Israeli strikes could be perceived as escalatory regardless of formal terms.

The White House confirmed that Vance will lead the U.S. delegation to upcoming talks in Islamabad scheduled to begin Saturday. Iran is expected to send a negotiating team, although details remain unclear after initial announcements were withdrawn.

Iran has indicated it will push for a framework based on 10 conditions, including uranium enrichment and control over the Strait of Hormuz, positions that U.S. officials have repeatedly rejected.

U.S., Iran agree to two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan as uncertainties persist

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S., Iran agree to two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan as uncertainties persist

The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, raising hopes of a temporary halt to a six-week conflict that has left thousands dead, destabilized the Middle East, and severely disrupted global energy supplies—though details remain unclear, according to the Associated Press.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement late Tuesday, just two hours before a deadline he had set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face what he warned would be the destruction of its “whole civilisation.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that delegations from both countries have been invited to meet in Islamabad on Friday. According to Trump, the ceasefire is contingent on Iran pausing its blockade of oil and gas shipments through the strategic waterway, which typically carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would halt counter-attacks and allow safe passage through the strait, provided that attacks against Iran cease.

The announcement triggered immediate reactions in global markets, with oil prices falling sharply and stock markets rallying amid optimism that one of the most severe disruptions to energy flows in recent history may ease.

In Iran, crowds gathered overnight in celebration, waving national flags while also expressing caution about the durability of the agreement. “Israel will not allow diplomacy to work and Trump might change his view tomorrow. But at least we can sleep tonight without strikes,” said Alireza, a 29-year-old government employee in Tehran.

The ceasefire temporarily suspends hostilities that began on February 28, when Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a military campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s regional influence, dismantling its nuclear program, and encouraging internal political change.

Trump described the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory,” asserting that U.S. military objectives had been achieved. However, analysts note that Iran retains its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its capacity to launch missile and drone attacks, raising questions about the long-term impact of the conflict.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council claimed the country had inflicted a “historic and crushing defeat” on its adversaries, signaling competing narratives over the outcome of the war.

Israel expressed support for the temporary suspension of strikes, though the agreement has drawn criticism domestically. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the ceasefire a “diplomatic disaster,” while former military deputy chief Yair Golan described the outcome as a “complete failure” that left key security threats unresolved.

Despite the truce, tensions persist across the region. Israel said Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire, and military operations there will continue, according to reports by Reuters. Forces under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain engaged in strikes against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities reported ongoing airstrikes and artillery shelling in the south, including an attack near a hospital that killed four people. A senior Lebanese official said Beirut had not been informed of any inclusion in the ceasefire agreement, underscoring the limited scope of the truce.

Shipping companies remain cautious about resuming operations through the Strait of Hormuz. Danish shipping giant Maersk said it would continue to assess risks before allowing vessels to transit the area.

The ceasefire leaves core demands unresolved. U.S. officials are expected to push for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program and missile capabilities, while Tehran has previously demanded sanctions relief, compensation for damages, and guarantees against future military action.

With negotiations set to begin in Islamabad, the coming weeks are expected to test whether the fragile truce can evolve into a more lasting resolution or collapse under longstanding tensions.

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