Explainer-US-Iran ceasefire: what we know

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WASHINGTON, April 8 - Here is what we know following Tuesday evening's dramatic reversal by U.S. President Donald Trump of his threats to attack Iran's civilian infrastructure.

IS THERE ACTUALLY A CEASEFIRE?

It's unclear.

Iran and the U.S. agreed on Tuesday to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, but fighting was still taking place on Wednesday.

Israel launched its biggest attacks yet on Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, destroying buildings and killing dozens of people without warning, according to Lebanese authorities.

Iran said it was considering strikes against Israel in response.

Iran also struck oil facilities in neighboring Gulf countries, including a huge pipeline in Saudi Arabia that has been used to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, according to an oil industry source. Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE also reported missile and drone strikes.

The U.S. said it had stopped its attacks on Iran but is ready to resume fighting if efforts to reach a more lasting peace fail.

IS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN?

Not yet.

Iranian state TV said a first vessel had transited the global oil chokepoint with Tehran's permission following the ceasefire, but shipping sources said that the Iranian navy was threatening ships with destruction if they tried to pass.

Iran might lift its blockade on Thursday or Friday ahead of peace talks, according to a senior Iranian official, but ships would still require Tehran's permission to pass.

Trump said the two-week ceasefire requires Iran to open the strait, but Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Washington had agreed in principle to continued Iranian control.

Marine traffic data showed that two Greek-owned vessels and a Chinese bulk carrier had passed through the strait since early Wednesday. Iran has previo...

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