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Ceasefire under strain: Iran oil refinery hit hours after US truce begins

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 08 Apr 2026, 10:25 am

An oil refinery on Lavan Island came under what Iranian authorities described as an “enemy attack” on Wednesday, just hours after a ceasefire with the United States took effect, media reports said.

The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said the strike occurred around 10:00 local time.

While no casualties were reported, a fire broke out at the facility, prompting an immediate response from emergency and firefighting teams.

Satellite images released by NASA confirmed a blaze on the island, reinforcing reports of damage to the key oil installation.

Attack casts shadow over fresh ceasefire

The strike comes barely a day after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, aimed at halting a rapidly escalating conflict.

The truce had been seen as an 11th-hour effort to avert a wider war, after Trump warned of a devastating military campaign that could target Iran’s core infrastructure.

Hormuz deal at the heart of truce

As part of the agreement, Tehran committed to reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global oil shipments.

Trump described the deal as a “total and complete victory,” claiming Iran agreed to the “immediate and safe” restoration of maritime traffic through the route.

Key issues still unresolved

Despite the ceasefire, major sticking points remain. Previous US demands—including curbs on Iran’s uranium enrichment, missile programme, and regional alliances—were not clearly addressed in the current arrangement.

Washington has long accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies. The UN nuclear watchdog has also not backed the claim.

Fragile peace faces early test

The latest strike raises serious questions about the durability of the ceasefire and whether all parties—or their allies—are adhering to it.

With tensions still high, the incident underscores how quickly the situation could spiral again, keeping the region and global energy markets on edge.