US Suspends Bombing of Iran for Two Weeks Amid Strait of Hormuz Ceasefire Deal

President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of US bombing in Iran on April 10, 2024, describing it as a double-sided ceasefire tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait, a critical waterway for global oil transport, had been closed during the conflict, disrupting supplies to Europe and elsewhere.

As part of the deal, Iran agreed to halt uranium enrichment, with the US committing to help remove buried enriched material.

Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran has agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz under the ceasefire terms. Kuwait urged Iran and its proxies to cease attacks and reopen the strait. European nations, including Spain and France, restricted US and allied access to airspace and bases during the conflict, citing lack of consultation.

Trump is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on April 10, 2024, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio indicated that the US will reexamine its NATO relationship after the conflict concludes. Trump has criticized NATO allies for limited support in the Iran operations, known as Operation Epic Fury, and threatened potential US withdrawal from the alliance.

“After this conflict is concluded, we are going to have to reexamine that relationship. We're going to have reexamined the value of NATO in that alliance for our country.”

Finnish President Alexander Stubb informed Trump in a phone call of an emerging "more European NATO." European leaders expressed frustration over unconsulted US actions, with French President Emmanuel Macron noting that the operation was decided by the US and Israel alone.

the ceasefire, Iran and Oman will charge fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with proceeds allocated to reconstruction. Iran is considering tolls in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or in yuan. Prior to the conflict, passage through the strait was free.

Trump stated the US will assist with traffic in the strait, support Iran's reconstruction, and maintain a presence to ensure compliance. He posted on Truth Social that countries supplying weapons to Iran will face immediate 50% tariffs on all goods sold to the US, with no exceptions.

This follows Iranian attacks, including on April 8, 2024, when UAE air defenses intercepted 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones, injuring three people.

The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to the strait closure and heightened tensions. Middle Eastern public opinion has shifted, with increased favorability toward China, Iran, and Russia compared to the US and Europe, according to a Foreign Affairs analysis.

The Cboe Volatility Index declined after the ceasefire announcement, reflecting reduced expected market turbulence. Spain closed its airspace to US bombers and denied base access at Rota Naval Station and Morón Air Base for combat-related missions. France blocked Israeli aircraft from using its airspace for transporting US munitions to Iran.

These actions underscore transatlantic strains during the six-week conflict.