ToplinePresident Donald Trump, saying he was agreeing to a request from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, delayed “the bombing and attack of Iran” and announced the U.S. and Iran conflict suddenly “close to resolution”—less than a day after he threatened to kill “a whole civilization.” President Donald Trump holds a Press Conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 6, 2026, in Washington DC, United States. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesKey FactsOn his Truth Social platform, Trump announced “a double sided CEASEFIRE!” claiming the U.S. had “met and exceeded all Military objectives,” and pronouncing that, “On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution.”No specific details were shared by Trump, and his announcement comes after scathing criticism from world allies—and even among many Republicans, who suggested his war rhetoric had crossed a line that should lead to his removal from office.Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed the ceasefire in a post, saying “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible” for two weeks as negotiations continue, provided the attacks on Iran stop. Trump’s announcement followed a post by Sharif that requested Trump extend his 8 p.m. deadline by two weeks “to allow diplomacy to run its course,” additionally asking Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for those two weeks as a “goodwill measure.”Pakistan emerged as a mediator between Iran and the U.S. as they carried out negotiations, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Politico in a statement Trump has been “made aware” of Pakistan’s proposal and that a “response will come.”Sharif’s plea followed a threat from Trump on Truth Social that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want it to happen, but it probably will,” adding “we will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.”Shortly after Trump’s post, Iran spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei posted a cryptic message to X: “The power of a ‘CIVILIZED’ nation’s culture, logic, and faith in its righteous cause will undoubtedly prevail over the logic of brute force.”Meanwhile, people formed human chains around bridges and power plants in Iran, after the regime urged its citizens to protect the sites Trump has threatened to target, multiple outlets reported, citing photos shared in state and local media.What To Watch ForExperts warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure, as Trump threatened, could amount to war crimes. Trump dismissed the possibility he could be charged with war crimes, telling reporters Monday he’s “not at all” concerned. Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran’s United Nations representative, said Tuesday during a Security Council session Trump’s warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” would “constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide.” Iran, he said, “will exercise, without hesitation, its inherent right of self-defense and will take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures.”TangentThe U.S. military struck military sites on Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, where Iran exports 90% of its oil, multiple outlets reported Tuesday, citing unnamed U.S. officials.Key BackgroundTrump issued his initial threat Sunday in an expletive-laden Truth Social post, writing “Open the F—-in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell—JUST WATCH!” and said in a subsequent post that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day,” threatening to attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure. The threats came shortly after the U.S. rescued a U.S. Air Force pilot flying in an F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran Friday. The other pilot was rescued shortly after the plane went down. Trump lauded the rescue mission as if it were a victory during a press conference Monday, despite criticism that the attack contradicts his repeated claims that Iran’s military has been decimated. He attributed the attack to “luck” when asked about the inconsistency on Monday. The U.S. rejected a new 10-point plan from Iran to end the war on Monday. Trump told reporters it was a step in the right direction, but needed to include “free traffic of oil, and everything else.” The details of the plan were unclear, but Iran has said previously that recognizing its sovereignty over the strait must be part of any agreement to end the war.Further ReadingTrump Accuses Internal ‘Leaker’ Of Alerting Media To Missing Airman — And Vows Retribution (Forbes)Why Trump’s Bombing Of Iran’s Infrastructure Would Likely Be A War Crime (Forbes)Trump Escalates Iran Threats: ‘Could Be Taken Out In One Night — And That Night Might Be Tomorrow’ (Forbes)