1
10
Protesters set fire to Israeli and U.S. flags during a gathering after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war, in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026. (Reuters)
The streets of Tehran erupted in joy after the news of a two-week ceasefire agreement that will allow for peace negotiations between the US and Iran.
People took to the streets in large numbers, some burning the flags of the United States and Israel and holding up images of Iranian leadership, projecting a sense of defiance and victory after weeks of conflict.
In Tehran, groups gathered in public squares. The scenes carried a charged, nationalistic fervour even as the ceasefire signalled a pause in hostilities.
Outside the White House in Washington, demonstrators protested against military action, signalling relief at the pause in hostilities but also concern over how close the situation had come to a major escalation.
US President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, swerving to deescalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate or face a major escalation.
Pakistan brokered the ceasefire and China, which is Tehran's biggest trade partner, spoke with the Iranians to get them on board, sources told the Associated Press.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted a two-week ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.
Iran and the US have agreed to safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Both sides have claimed victory over the more than a month-long conflict that has shaken up global financial markets and sent oil prices skyrocketing.
Trump has claimed, "total and complete victory" for the US. A statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council said, "The enemy has suffered an undeniable, historic and crushing defeat in its cowardly, illegal and criminal war against the Iranian nation."
