A panorama of major powers under the US-Iran ceasefire: some mediate, some escalate the conflict, some observe, or perhaps it's just a facade.
2026-04-08 21:34:41
This article uses straightforward, firsthand information to dissect the complex dynamics of the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The main players in this region—Iran, the United States, and Israel—have made their stance very clear: Iran is eager to talk, but only on the condition of a ceasefire, and also a ceasefire with its brother groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The United States, on the other hand, wanted to make a graceful exit. The vice president, generals, and the secretary of defense all helped the president smooth things over, emphasizing that the enriched uranium needed to be accounted for to the world. As for whether or not tolls were charged, it was not important as long as navigation was allowed.
Oman and other neighboring countries acted as peacemakers, taking the lead in stating that they would not charge fees, while France and Germany applauded remotely.
Israel is looking for opportunities to bomb as much as possible, taking advantage of the fact that it doesn't cross the US red line. It's currently focusing its attacks on Lebanon in the north of the country, clearly unwilling to allow a ceasefire or the withdrawal of US troops.
Lebanon suffered heavy casualties after Israeli airstrikes during the ceasefire.
Furthermore, Maersk, as a major player, indicated that it remains in a wait-and-see mode, given that the current operating costs for shipping giants are too high and there are many uncertainties.
Oman's Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Mawali, stated at the consultation meeting that Oman has signed an agreement related to international shipping, which stipulates that the Strait of Hormuz is a natural passage and no fees can be levied on vessels passing through it.
He also pointed out that the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently communicating and consulting with all parties on the relevant issues.
The Pakistani Prime Minister's Office quoted Iranian President Masoud Pezechyan as saying that Iran will participate in talks with US representatives, which are scheduled to take place in Islamabad this weekend.
Joint statement from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU: We call on all parties to implement the ceasefire agreement, including within Lebanon.
Iranian President Pesashkian said the ceasefire agreement was in line with the "general principles expected" by Tehran.
Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva stated that Israel must abide by the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon; any continued military action would further complicate the situation and have serious consequences. Due to a severe lack of trust between the two sides, Iran will approach peace negotiations with the United States with caution, while maintaining a state of military preparedness.
A senior Iranian official said that reopening the shipping lanes would be subject to restrictions and would require coordination with the Iranian military, and all vessels would still need to obtain permits.
A senior Iranian official said Iran might open the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday or Friday if a ceasefire framework agreement is reached before a meeting with the United States in Pakistan.
Trump: The United States will work closely with Iran and will not enrich uranium.
According to ABC News, US President Trump said that a joint US-Iran project may be launched to discuss transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Trump said on social media that the United States will work closely with Iran, adding that Iran has entered a new phase that will be very productive.
Trump stated that Iran would be prohibited from engaging in uranium enrichment activities, and that the United States would cooperate with Iran to excavate and remove all deeply buried nuclear-related materials, facilities that have been under strict satellite surveillance by the Space Force since the attack.
The United States is and will continue to discuss tariff and sanctions relief with Iran, and several aspects of the 15-point plan have been agreed upon.
This statement goes a step further than the previous ceasefire agreement, involving long-term control arrangements for Iran's nuclear activities. If subsequent sanctions relief are substantially implemented, it may have a medium-term suppressive effect on the global energy supply pattern and oil prices.
The focus going forward will be on the specific timetable and scope of sanctions relief, as well as the international community's response to this new phase, which will determine whether the Middle East geopolitical risk premium can decline further.
US Vice President Vance: Iran has agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. Military objectives against Iran have been achieved, and Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran.
The United States and its allies agreed to cease attacks on Iran, which forms the basis of the “fragile ceasefire.”
Trump has lost patience on the Iran issue. If Iran does not participate in negotiations in good faith, they will find that Trump is not someone to be trifled with.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: It will take some time for the ceasefire agreement to take effect.
We hope and believe that the ceasefire can be maintained. All parties have reached a consensus that the Strait of Hormuz is now open and commerce will flow.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: Iran will allow ships to pass through, and warships will "transit" the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: The U.S. military will ensure that Iran complies with the ceasefire agreement, and the U.S. military will "linger" in Iran, with troops ready to resume operations at any time.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: A ceasefire means Iran will never have nuclear weapons.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: The United States launched 800 airstrikes Tuesday night, destroying Iran’s defense industrial base.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: The U.S. military has "fulfilled its responsibilities" and is ready to respond at any time (to the U.S. military involved in operations in Iran).
U.S. General Kane: U.S. joint forces struck more than 13,000 targets in operations against Iran, destroyed 80% of Iran’s air defense system, and the U.S. destroyed more than 90% of Iran’s conventional naval fleet.
US General Kane: The ceasefire is only a pause; the coalition is still ready to resume operations at any time. We hope Iran will choose lasting peace.
US General Kane: The US military objectives in Iran have been achieved.
Both the United States and Israel have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran, but two former senior Israeli officials said that Israel believes the ceasefire is premature and hopes the military operation against Iran can continue for at least another month.
Israel says it struck 100 targets in southern Lebanon and Beirut, with most of the infrastructure targeted located in civilian areas.
The Israeli military says it has completed a large-scale strike on Hezbollah command centers and military infrastructure in Beirut.
Lebanese Health Minister: Hospitals across Lebanon are overflowing with the wounded.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry stated that the country's government has expressed its willingness to hold direct negotiations with Israel, emphasizing that Lebanon's sovereignty is indivisible and non-negotiable.
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, an Israeli airstrike simultaneously targeted multiple areas of the Lebanese capital.
Hezbollah: If Israel does not cease its attacks and withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon by 2:00 PM Beirut time, we will cancel our ceasefire commitment!
On August 8, Denmark's Maersk Line said that the ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran is not enough to fully guarantee the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The company is taking a cautious approach to the current situation and will not resume the relevant routes that were suspended last month.
In a statement, Maersk said that while a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran could create an opportunity for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, there is still uncertainty about maritime security and the conditions attached to the ceasefire need to be understood.
The company stated that it will continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide timely updates as the circumstances change in the coming hours to days.
"Any decisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz are based on ongoing risk assessments, close monitoring of the security situation, and guidance from relevant authorities and partners." Maersk, one of the world's largest container shipping groups, suspended several routes through the Strait of Hormuz last month.
Currently, the company transports goods from Jeddah Islamic Port, Salalah Port and Sohar Port in Saudi Arabia, and Hulfaqan Port in the United Arab Emirates, and then transports them overland to Gulf countries.
This is the information currently presented in the public market, but what is the real thought behind each country's reaction, and whether there are other underlying truths, remains to be seen as events unfold.
The main players in this region—Iran, the United States, and Israel—have made their stance very clear: Iran is eager to talk, but only on the condition of a ceasefire, and also a ceasefire with its brother groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The United States, on the other hand, wanted to make a graceful exit. The vice president, generals, and the secretary of defense all helped the president smooth things over, emphasizing that the enriched uranium needed to be accounted for to the world. As for whether or not tolls were charged, it was not important as long as navigation was allowed.
Oman and other neighboring countries acted as peacemakers, taking the lead in stating that they would not charge fees, while France and Germany applauded remotely.
Israel is looking for opportunities to bomb as much as possible, taking advantage of the fact that it doesn't cross the US red line. It's currently focusing its attacks on Lebanon in the north of the country, clearly unwilling to allow a ceasefire or the withdrawal of US troops.
Lebanon suffered heavy casualties after Israeli airstrikes during the ceasefire.
Furthermore, Maersk, as a major player, indicated that it remains in a wait-and-see mode, given that the current operating costs for shipping giants are too high and there are many uncertainties.
Oman, Pakistan, and neutral parties like Britain, France, and Germany acted as good Samaritans.
Oman's Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Mawali, stated at the consultation meeting that Oman has signed an agreement related to international shipping, which stipulates that the Strait of Hormuz is a natural passage and no fees can be levied on vessels passing through it.
He also pointed out that the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently communicating and consulting with all parties on the relevant issues.
The Pakistani Prime Minister's Office quoted Iranian President Masoud Pezechyan as saying that Iran will participate in talks with US representatives, which are scheduled to take place in Islamabad this weekend.
Joint statement from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU: We call on all parties to implement the ceasefire agreement, including within Lebanon.
One of the main characters, Iran, hopes to negotiate, employing the wisdom of Persian perseverance and patience.
Iranian President Pesashkian said the ceasefire agreement was in line with the "general principles expected" by Tehran.
Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva stated that Israel must abide by the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon; any continued military action would further complicate the situation and have serious consequences. Due to a severe lack of trust between the two sides, Iran will approach peace negotiations with the United States with caution, while maintaining a state of military preparedness.
A senior Iranian official said that reopening the shipping lanes would be subject to restrictions and would require coordination with the Iranian military, and all vessels would still need to obtain permits.
A senior Iranian official said Iran might open the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday or Friday if a ceasefire framework agreement is reached before a meeting with the United States in Pakistan.
The second protagonist, the US president and his subordinates: hoping to extricate themselves gracefully.
Trump: The United States will work closely with Iran and will not enrich uranium.
According to ABC News, US President Trump said that a joint US-Iran project may be launched to discuss transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Trump said on social media that the United States will work closely with Iran, adding that Iran has entered a new phase that will be very productive.
Trump stated that Iran would be prohibited from engaging in uranium enrichment activities, and that the United States would cooperate with Iran to excavate and remove all deeply buried nuclear-related materials, facilities that have been under strict satellite surveillance by the Space Force since the attack.
The United States is and will continue to discuss tariff and sanctions relief with Iran, and several aspects of the 15-point plan have been agreed upon.
This statement goes a step further than the previous ceasefire agreement, involving long-term control arrangements for Iran's nuclear activities. If subsequent sanctions relief are substantially implemented, it may have a medium-term suppressive effect on the global energy supply pattern and oil prices.
The focus going forward will be on the specific timetable and scope of sanctions relief, as well as the international community's response to this new phase, which will determine whether the Middle East geopolitical risk premium can decline further.
US Vice President Vance: Iran has agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. Military objectives against Iran have been achieved, and Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran.
The United States and its allies agreed to cease attacks on Iran, which forms the basis of the “fragile ceasefire.”
Trump has lost patience on the Iran issue. If Iran does not participate in negotiations in good faith, they will find that Trump is not someone to be trifled with.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: It will take some time for the ceasefire agreement to take effect.
We hope and believe that the ceasefire can be maintained. All parties have reached a consensus that the Strait of Hormuz is now open and commerce will flow.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: Iran will allow ships to pass through, and warships will "transit" the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: The U.S. military will ensure that Iran complies with the ceasefire agreement, and the U.S. military will "linger" in Iran, with troops ready to resume operations at any time.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: A ceasefire means Iran will never have nuclear weapons.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: The United States launched 800 airstrikes Tuesday night, destroying Iran’s defense industrial base.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays: The U.S. military has "fulfilled its responsibilities" and is ready to respond at any time (to the U.S. military involved in operations in Iran).
U.S. General Kane: U.S. joint forces struck more than 13,000 targets in operations against Iran, destroyed 80% of Iran’s air defense system, and the U.S. destroyed more than 90% of Iran’s conventional naval fleet.
US General Kane: The ceasefire is only a pause; the coalition is still ready to resume operations at any time. We hope Iran will choose lasting peace.
US General Kane: The US military objectives in Iran have been achieved.
The third protagonist, Israel, seizes the opportunity to expand the war.
Both the United States and Israel have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran, but two former senior Israeli officials said that Israel believes the ceasefire is premature and hopes the military operation against Iran can continue for at least another month.
Israel says it struck 100 targets in southern Lebanon and Beirut, with most of the infrastructure targeted located in civilian areas.
The Israeli military says it has completed a large-scale strike on Hezbollah command centers and military infrastructure in Beirut.
Iran's ally suffered severe damage from the shift in the conflict.
Lebanese Health Minister: Hospitals across Lebanon are overflowing with the wounded.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry stated that the country's government has expressed its willingness to hold direct negotiations with Israel, emphasizing that Lebanon's sovereignty is indivisible and non-negotiable.
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, an Israeli airstrike simultaneously targeted multiple areas of the Lebanese capital.
Hezbollah: If Israel does not cease its attacks and withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon by 2:00 PM Beirut time, we will cancel our ceasefire commitment!
Shipping giant Maersk's representatives are adopting a wait-and-see attitude.
On August 8, Denmark's Maersk Line said that the ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran is not enough to fully guarantee the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The company is taking a cautious approach to the current situation and will not resume the relevant routes that were suspended last month.
In a statement, Maersk said that while a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran could create an opportunity for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, there is still uncertainty about maritime security and the conditions attached to the ceasefire need to be understood.
The company stated that it will continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide timely updates as the circumstances change in the coming hours to days.
"Any decisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz are based on ongoing risk assessments, close monitoring of the security situation, and guidance from relevant authorities and partners." Maersk, one of the world's largest container shipping groups, suspended several routes through the Strait of Hormuz last month.
Currently, the company transports goods from Jeddah Islamic Port, Salalah Port and Sohar Port in Saudi Arabia, and Hulfaqan Port in the United Arab Emirates, and then transports them overland to Gulf countries.
This is the information currently presented in the public market, but what is the real thought behind each country's reaction, and whether there are other underlying truths, remains to be seen as events unfold.
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