As of now. A ceasefire is in place following the first direct meeting between the United States and Iran in over a decade, according to Al Jazeera, while However, the challenge remains: can America win this ceasefire and eventually secure a peace agreement? For President Donald Trump. This question is of existential importance, given the potential political ramifications for the Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, as noted in the article.

Open the Strait of Hormuz

The first priority for the Trump administration, according to the article, is to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping; this chokepoint is vital to the global economy and directly affects the price of oil, which is a key domestic concern for Americans. The White House now understands the significance of this strategic waterway, having previously underestimated Iran’s ability to control it.

Domestic Pressure on Iran

The second step involves increasing domestic pressure on the Iranian regime. According to the article, this can be achieved by halting bombings, which have already weakened the Islamic Major Guard Corps through joint US-Israeli attacks. The intelligence community is advised to support the Iranian protest movement by providing weapons and resources, while avoiding actions like bombing bridges and oil refineries, which could hinder internal opposition.

Strengthen Western Alliances

A more unified Western world, especially concerning the maintenance of open trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz, is important for long-term stability. The third strategy focuses on mending relationships with traditional allies. The article emphasizes that Russia and China are watching the tensions within NATO with interest.

Improve Messaging

According to the article, the Trump administration must improve its messaging. Currently, the US is divided on the war, and even elements of Trump’s political base are skeptical of the campaign. The president’s maximalist rhetoric, while motivated, risks alienating allies and citizens alike. The article notes that the messaging from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, which framed the conflict as a Christian crusade, has not been effective in achieving long-term goals.

Paint a Vision of Peace

The fifth strategy involves painting a clear picture of peace for the Iranian people and the region. The article cites Venezuela as an example, where removing the head of government did not lead to complete regime change. Instead, the focus should be on altering the regime’s attitude, not necessarily its structure, to achieve a more stable and peaceful outcome.

Clarify Expectations for Peace

The sixth step requires the president to clearly outline what a lasting peace agreement would entail. According to the article, the US must demand an end to funding terrorism, support for terrorist proxies, and the ongoing conflict with Israel. Additionally, the Iranian nuclear program must not be developed into nuclear weapons, a key non-negotiable condition for the US.

Align with Israel

While Israel has legitimate concerns about attacks from Hezbollah, the article suggests that a prolonged war is not in the best interest of the American public. The seventh and final strategy is to ensure that Israel’s objectives align with those of the US. The article points out that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have misled Trump about the expected outcome of the conflict, which did not materialize as anticipated. Coordinating objectives with Israel is critical to securing the ceasefire.

The article concludes by stating that the views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance. The seven strategies outlined offer a roadmap for the US to win the ceasefire and end the war with Iran, according to the opinion piece published on April 12, 2026.