Tensions between the United States and Iran eased temporarily after a last-minute diplomatic move by President Donald Trump, who announced a potential breakthrough toward a peace agreement.
In a message posted at 18:32 Washington time on his social media platform, Trump indicated that both countries were “very far along” in negotiations and agreed to a two-week ceasefire to allow talks to continue. The announcement came shortly before a deadline he had set for possible large-scale US strikes on Iranian energy and transport infrastructure.
The ceasefire remains conditional on Iran halting hostilities and ensuring full access to the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iranian authorities have signaled their willingness to comply, while maintaining that they retain control over the strategic waterway.
This development offered Trump a way to step back from a difficult decision between military escalation and a potential loss of credibility. However, the pause is seen as temporary, with complex negotiations expected in the coming days.
Initial market reactions reflected cautious optimism. Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel after several days of increases, while US stock futures rose, suggesting investor confidence that a broader conflict might be avoided.
Just hours earlier, the situation appeared far more volatile. Trump had issued a stark warning about severe consequences for Iran, drawing widespread attention and criticism. It remains unclear whether such rhetoric influenced Tehran’s decision to accept the ceasefire.
The president’s statements, described by observers as unusually forceful, have sparked debate both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that such language risks undermining the United States’ traditional role as a stabilizing force in global affairs.
Several Democratic leaders strongly condemned the remarks, with some questioning Trump’s leadership. At the same time, reactions within the Republican Party were mixed. While some lawmakers defended the president, others openly criticized the tone and implications of his statements.
Despite the ceasefire, many key issues remain unresolved. The status of Iran’s nuclear program, including its enriched uranium stockpile, is still uncertain. Iran also continues to maintain influence through regional allies, including armed groups in the Middle East.
In a statement following the announcement, Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that military operations would be paused and that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured in coordination with Iranian forces. He also indicated that the United States had acknowledged elements of Iran’s broader negotiation framework.
That framework reportedly includes demands such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions, compensation for damages and continued Iranian control over Hormuz—conditions that may prove difficult to reconcile.
For now, the ceasefire represents a short-term political success for Trump, who appears to have secured a pause in hostilities. However, the outcome of the upcoming negotiations remains uncertain, and the broader consequences of the crisis are yet to be fully understood.
About the author
Togo lance des hubs technologiques régionaux
Le Togo prévoit la construction de six centres d’innovation technologique dans plusieurs préfectures, dans le cadre du Projet d’accélération numérique (PANT). Les infrastructures seront implantées à Tône, Kozah, Tchaoudjo, Ogou, Kloto et Zio, afin de renforcer l’écosystème numérique à l’échelle locale. Un appel à manifestation d’intérêt a été lancé pour recruter un cabinet chargé des études techniques, du contrôle et du suivi des travaux. Ces centres, appelés « Pods », auront pour mission de soutenir l’innovation et l’entrepreneuriat en dehors de la capitale. Chaque site intégrera des espaces dédiés à l’incubation, à la formation et à l’accompagnement de projets, avec l’objectif de favoriser l’émergence d’initiatives locales et de rapprocher les opportunités technologiques des populations. Le projet bénéficie de l’appui de la Banque mondiale, via l’Association internationale de développement (IDA), et s’inscrit dans la stratégie nationale de transformation numérique du pays. […]
Togo et Canada renforcent leur coopération
Le Président du Conseil, Faure Gnassingbé, a reçu récemment à Lomé la Haute Commissaire du Canada au Togo, Myriam Montrat. Cette rencontre s’inscrit dans le cadre du renforcement des relations diplomatiques et économiques entre le Togo et le Canada, selon Le Messager. L’échange entre les deux personnalités intervient dans un contexte de consolidation des partenariats stratégiques du Togo avec ses partenaires internationaux. Lomé multiplie en effet les initiatives dans les domaines de la sécurité, de la gouvernance et du développement économique, afin de soutenir ses priorités nationales. De son côté, le Canada maintient une présence active sur le continent africain à travers sa coopération au développement, son engagement dans les instances multilatérales et les liens culturels portés notamment par une importante diaspora africaine. Ces éléments contribuent à renforcer les passerelles entre Ottawa et les pays africains. Acteur majeur du G7, […]
Deadly shooting shocks Mexico’s Teotihuacán site
Mexican authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at one of the country’s most iconic tourist sites, the Teotihuacán complex, where a gunman opened fire on visitors before taking his own life. The attack unfolded on Monday morning at the Pyramid of the Moon, a major landmark within the ancient site. Video footage shows the assailant firing at tourists, causing panic as visitors scrambled for safety among the historic structures. A 32-year-old Canadian woman was killed in the incident, while several others from countries including Russia, Colombia and Brazil were injured and treated in nearby hospitals. The gunman, identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to investigators, the attacker acted alone, with no evidence linking the incident to organized crime groups such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Authorities described the act as premeditated, noting […]
Ukraine resumes oil transit, unlocking EU loan
Ukraine has resumed the transit of Russian oil through a key pipeline supplying Hungary and Slovakia, ending a months-long standoff that had delayed crucial European Union financial support for Kyiv. Shortly after the restart, EU ambassadors meeting in Brussels gave preliminary approval to a €90bn loan package for Ukraine, along with a new round of sanctions targeting Russia. Final approval is expected imminently. The funding, initially agreed in December, had been blocked by Viktor Orbán in February. His veto came after oil flows were disrupted due to damage caused by Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Budapest had insisted that supplies be restored before any financial support could proceed. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that repairs had been completed and pumping resumed, with oil expected to reach Slovakia and Hungary within days. The pipeline in question is part of the Druzhba pipeline, a […]
Togo et Côte d’Ivoire renforcent l’arbitrage
Le Togo et la Côte d’Ivoire ont décidé de renforcer leur collaboration en matière d’arbitrage commercial. Une convention a été signée le 21 avril 2026 à Abidjan entre la Cour d’arbitrage de Côte d’Ivoire et la Cour d’arbitrage du Togo, représentée par son président, Kwassi Symenouh, sous l’égide des chambres de commerce des deux pays. Ce partenariat vise à améliorer le règlement des litiges commerciaux et à consolider la sécurité juridique dans la région. Il s’inscrit dans une dynamique d’intégration économique au sein de l’espace Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine, tout en facilitant les échanges entre les opérateurs économiques. L’accord prévoit des échanges réguliers d’expériences, de données et d’informations entre les deux institutions. Il inclut également des initiatives de formation et de sensibilisation à l’arbitrage et à la médiation, afin de promouvoir ces modes alternatifs de règlement des différends auprès […]
INAM digitalise ses services et lance une carte AMU
Au Togo, Institut national d’assurance maladie poursuit sa modernisation avec le lancement officiel, le 21 avril 2026 à Lomé, de ses services en ligne et d’une nouvelle carte à puce sécurisée dans le cadre de l’Assurance maladie universelle (AMU). Cette évolution vise à simplifier l’accès aux prestations pour les assurés. Désormais, les usagers peuvent s’inscrire en ligne, suivre le traitement de leurs dossiers en temps réel et accéder aux services à tout moment via téléphone ou ordinateur. Ce dispositif devrait permettre de réduire sensiblement les délais d’obtention des cartes. Cette avancée s’inscrit dans un processus de transformation numérique engagé depuis près de deux ans, marqué notamment par la modernisation du système d’information de l’institution. L’objectif est d’améliorer la qualité des services tout en rendant les démarches administratives plus rapides et plus accessibles. Selon le directeur général Justin Tchilabalo Pilante, cette […]
Related
Trump orders US Navy to destroy boats laying mines in Hormuz
President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the United States Navy to destroy any boats found laying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure on Iran over control of the vital waterway. “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote in a post cited by U.S. media. He added that there should be “no hesitation” in carrying out the directive. Trump also said U.S. mine‑sweeping operations were already under way. “Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now,” he stated, underscoring Washington’s determination to keep the strategic chokepoint open to international shipping. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to global markets, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, […]
Iran tightens grip on Strait of Hormuz as US blocks ships and ceasefire talks stall
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz by seizing two commercial vessels, just as the United States pauses new strikes but keeps a naval blockade in place and peace talks remain in limbo. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was indefinitely suspending renewed military attacks on Iran and extending a shaky ceasefire so Washington could study an Iranian proposal to end the two month old conflict. However, Tehran has not confirmed any formal extension of the truce and has denounced the ongoing blockade of its maritime trade as an act of war. Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a full ceasefire would only be possible if the U.S. lifted its naval blockade and allowed normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried around one […]
Deadly shooting shocks Mexico’s Teotihuacán site
Mexican authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at one of the country’s most iconic tourist sites, the Teotihuacán complex, where a gunman opened fire on visitors before taking his own life. The attack unfolded on Monday morning at the Pyramid of the Moon, a major landmark within the ancient site. Video footage shows the assailant firing at tourists, causing panic as visitors scrambled for safety among the historic structures. A 32-year-old Canadian woman was killed in the incident, while several others from countries including Russia, Colombia and Brazil were injured and treated in nearby hospitals. The gunman, identified as Julio César Jasso Ramírez, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to investigators, the attacker acted alone, with no evidence linking the incident to organized crime groups such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Authorities described the act as premeditated, noting […]
Ukraine resumes oil transit, unlocking EU loan
Ukraine has resumed the transit of Russian oil through a key pipeline supplying Hungary and Slovakia, ending a months-long standoff that had delayed crucial European Union financial support for Kyiv. Shortly after the restart, EU ambassadors meeting in Brussels gave preliminary approval to a €90bn loan package for Ukraine, along with a new round of sanctions targeting Russia. Final approval is expected imminently. The funding, initially agreed in December, had been blocked by Viktor Orbán in February. His veto came after oil flows were disrupted due to damage caused by Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Budapest had insisted that supplies be restored before any financial support could proceed. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that repairs had been completed and pumping resumed, with oil expected to reach Slovakia and Hungary within days. The pipeline in question is part of the Druzhba pipeline, a […]
UK PM Starmer vows not to resign over US envoy appointment scandal
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted he will not resign over the controversy surrounding his appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Starmer said allegations that he misled MPs about the appointment had been “put to bed” after evidence given by the Foreign Office’s former top civil servant, Olly Robbins. Robbins was fired last week over the row. Starmer has faced intense pressure after admitting it was an error of judgment to push ahead with Mandelson’s posting despite red flags raised during security vetting. He had previously told lawmakers that “all due process” was followed. The prime minister now argues he would not have allowed the appointment to proceed had he been told that independent vetting officials recommended denying Mandelson security clearance. He told MPs that Robbins answered “no” when […]
Ukraine restarts Russian oil pipeline to Europe
Ukraine has resumed pumping Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline after completing repairs on a section damaged in a Russian attack in January. The Soviet era pipeline has been at the centre of a standoff between Ukraine and the European Union on one side and Hungary and Slovakia on the other, as both EU members continue to import Russian crude via the route despite the ongoing war. Kyiv hopes that restoring flows will clear the final obstacle to unlocking tens of billions of euros in EU financial support that had been held up by Hungary’s outgoing nationalist leader Viktor Orban. An energy industry source in Ukraine told AFP that “oil transit was launched and pumping began” on Wednesday. Hungarian energy company MOL said it expects the first shipments to arrive in Hungary and Slovakia by Thursday […]
Be the first to leave a comment