Ceasefire Breakthrough: U.S., Iran Agree to 2-Week Pause
WASHINGTON, April 7 (ET) — President Donald Trump said on Monday evening he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, less than two hours before a self-imposed 8:00 p.m. deadline for what he had previously described as the potential destruction of an entire “civilization.”
U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: AP
Trump said the agreement would be finalized on the condition that Iran reopens the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
“This will be a two-way ceasefire,” he wrote on Truth Social.
The U.S. president added that Washington had received a 10-point proposal from Tehran, which he described as a viable basis for negotiations. Most of the longstanding points of contention between the two sides, he said, had been resolved, though a two-week period would be needed to finalize and implement the deal.
China and Russia, meanwhile, vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for coordinated international efforts to safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the measure was biased against Iran. Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, said Moscow and Beijing are preparing an alternative resolution addressing the broader situation in the Middle East, including maritime security.
Israel destroys advanced Iranian air defense system
The Israeli Air Force has destroyed one of Iran’s most advanced air defense systems in a precision strike, eliminating an S-300PMU2 battery, according to video released by the Israel Defense Forces on April 7.
The S-300PMU2 — designated by NATO as the SA-20B “Gargoyle” — is a long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 200 km (124 miles) and altitudes exceeding 27 km (16.7 miles). Equipped with 48N6E2 interceptor missiles and advanced phased-array radars, including the 64N6E2 “Big Bird” and 30N6E2 “Tomb Stone,” the system can track dozens of targets and engage multiple threats simultaneously.
Within Iran’s layered air defense network, the system plays a key role in protecting strategic assets such as nuclear facilities, air bases and command centers.
Iran is believed to operate about 16 S-300PMU2 systems, delivered by Russia beginning in 2016 under a $1 billion contract. Although integrated with domestically developed platforms such as the Bavar-373, the loss of a single system is likely to weaken Tehran’s long-range air defense coverage.
U.S. Navy pushes shipbuilding, missile expansion
The U.S. Navy is advancing a sweeping modernization plan, proposing a $65.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 to fund the construction of 34 warships while sharply increasing missile procurement.
At the center of the plan are Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which underpin the United States’ nuclear deterrent, along with two Virginia-class attack submarines known for their stealth and multi-mission capabilities.
On the surface, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers will remain the backbone of air and missile defense, while next-generation FF(X) frigates are expected to enhance flexible escort operations.
The plan also emphasizes logistics and sustained combat capability, including John Lewis-class replenishment oilers, America-class amphibious assault ships and strategic sealift vessels.
Missile procurement is set to rise significantly. The Pentagon has requested funding for 785 Tomahawk cruise missiles, valued at roughly $3 billion, and 540 SM-6 air defense missiles worth $4.33 billion — both marking substantial increases from the previous year.
Tomahawk missiles provide long-range land-attack capability, allowing strikes deep inside adversary territory without close engagement. The SM-6, by contrast, serves as a multi-role defensive interceptor capable of targeting aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and certain ballistic threats, helping ensure the survivability of naval strike groups.
Chapter 2: The Condition The diner fell silent. The man in the expensive suit walked toward the counter with calm, measured steps. No one recognized him. The businesswoman did. She nodded once. "He's my attorney." The waitress looked from one face to the other, still clutching the trembling contract. "I... I don't understand." The lawyer opened a leather briefcase and removed a single document. "There is only one condition attached to the transfer." The waitress's smile faded. Her hands tightened. "I can't afford anything." The lawyer shook his head. "It has nothing to do with money." He slid the paper across the counter. "You must never sell this diner." She blinked. "What?" The businesswoman stepped closer. "When you fed me, this place became more than a diner." "It became the reason I survived." A long silence followed. The waitress looked around the room. The faded booths. The cracked tiles. The old coffee machine. The windows where rain had once hidden a frightened little girl. Tears blurred her vision. "I've wanted to quit so many times." The businesswoman smiled. "I'm glad you never did." Then she handed over another envelope. "Open this one." Inside was a photograph. An old newspaper clipping. And a bank statement. For years... The businesswoman had quietly paid off every debt the diner owed. The waitress covered her mouth. "You've been saving this place..." The woman nodded. "Long before I could buy it." Outside, the rain finally stopped.
Chapter 2: The Condition
The diner fell silent.
The man in the expensive suit walked toward the counter with calm, measured steps.
No one recognized him.
The businesswoman did.
She nodded once.
"He's my attorney."
The waitress looked from one face to the other, still clutching the trembling contract.
"I... I don't understand."
The lawyer opened a leather briefcase and removed a single document.
"There is only one condition attached to the transfer."
The waitress's smile faded.
Her hands tightened.
"I can't afford anything."
The lawyer shook his head.
"It has nothing to do with money."
He slid the paper across the counter.
"You must never sell this diner."
She blinked.
"What?"
The businesswoman stepped closer.
"When you fed me, this place became more than a diner."
"It became the reason I survived."
A long silence followed.
The waitress looked around the room.
The faded booths.
The cracked tiles.
The old coffee machine.
The windows where rain had once hidden a frightened little girl.
Tears blurred her vision.
"I've wanted to quit so many times."
The businesswoman smiled.
"I'm glad you never did."
Then she handed over another envelope.
"Open this one."
Inside was a photograph.
An old newspaper clipping.
And a bank statement.
For years...
The businesswoman had quietly paid off every debt the diner owed.
The waitress covered her mouth.
"You've been saving this place..."
The woman nodded.
"Long before I could buy it."
Outside, the rain finally stopped.
