Iran has issued a strong warning to Donald Trump following his announcement of a two-week “double-sided” ceasefire, highlighting the fragility of a deal that has already caused shockwaves in global markets and the Middle East.
Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council released a statement early on Wednesday declaring that its forces remain on high alert: “Our fingers are on the trigger, and if the enemy makes the slightest mistake, it will be met with full force.”
Trump said on Wednesday: “Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else!
“The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.
“There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process.”
“We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just ‘hanging’ around’ in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will,” he added.
This warning came despite a breakthrough, as Iran indicated it would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments that has been central to the ongoing crisis.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “if attacks against Iran are halted”, Tehran “will cease their defensive operations”.
Formal negotiations aimed at turning the temporary ceasefire into a lasting settlement are set for April 10 in Islamabad, with Pakistan serving as a key intermediary. Officials state that China is also playing a discreet but important diplomatic role in these discussions.
The United States will be represented by Pete Hegseth, who is expected to address the media later on Wednesday as Washington attempts to convey confidence that meaningful progress can be made.
Adding to the uncertainty are conflicting reports regarding Iran’s leadership. According to unnamed officials cited by The New York Times, Mojtaba Khamenei has conditionally approved the ceasefire framework, despite claims that he is currently unconscious. These unusual circumstances have raised questions among analysts about who ultimately holds decision-making authority in Tehran at this pivotal moment in the conflict.
Diplomats indicate that the talks will focus on merging a 15-point U.S. proposal with a 10-point Iranian plan to form the basis for a potential settlement.
Iran’s demands reportedly include charging vessels for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a complete cessation of hostilities against Iran and its regional allies and the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from bases across the Middle East.
Notably absent from Tehran’s proposal are any concessions regarding its nuclear program—the original flashpoint cited by Washington for initiating military action.
Iranian officials have characterised the negotiations as an opportunity to “confirm battlefield achievements politically within a maximum of 15 days,” suggesting that Tehran believes it is negotiating from a position of strength.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Trump adopted an optimistic tone, calling it a “big day for world peace.” He stated, “Iran wants it to happen; they’ve had enough—likewise, so has everyone else,” and added that safe passage through the Strait would resume in coordination with Iranian forces.
However, events on the ground indicate that the situation remains highly volatile. Celebrations were reported in Tehran, where crowds gathered in the streets to burn American and Israeli flags in a show of defiance. Meanwhile, Israel activated multiple missile alarms shortly after the ceasefire announcement. While no casualties have been reported, explosions were heard in central areas, and several countries across the region issued alerts or sounded sirens.
Although the agreement is described as applying “everywhere,” including Lebanon, diplomats caution that the situation remains precarious. The unresolved military tensions, competing demands, and uncertainty over leadership in Tehran suggest that the ceasefire may prove less a resolution and more a temporary pause in a still-dangerous conflict.
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