Diplomatic Push for Immediate Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz Reopening
Iran and the United States have received a detailed peace proposal formulated by Pakistan aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz, and establishing a permanent ceasefire, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The plan, tentatively dubbed the “Islamabad Accord,” outlines a two-stage process beginning with an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The Proposed Framework: Ceasefire First, Final Deal to Follow
The framework, exchanged overnight, proposes an immediate ceasefire that would allow for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil shipping lane. This would be followed by a 15 to 20-day period to finalize a comprehensive agreement. The source indicated that all elements of the initial understanding needed to be agreed upon on Monday, to be structured as a memorandum of understanding finalized electronically through Pakistan, which is acting as the sole communication channel.
The final settlement is expected to include:
- Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons.
- Sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
- A regional framework for the Strait of Hormuz, with final in-person talks to be held in Islamabad.
Intense Overnight Diplomacy and Cautious Responses
The diplomatic push involves high-level contacts. The source told Reuters that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, had been in contact “all night long” with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Initial responses have been mixed. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Tehran had received Pakistan’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire and was reviewing it. However, the official stated Tehran does not accept being pressured by deadlines and will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a “temporary ceasefire,” expressing skepticism about Washington’s readiness for a permanent deal.
Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, declined to confirm or deny specific reports. “We do not comment on individual, specific reports,” Andrabi told Al Jazeera. “Our position is that the peace process is ongoing.”
Broader Context and Global Stakes
This latest mediation effort, also reported to involve other regional players, comes amid escalating conflict that has threatened global energy security. The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and any prolonged closure would have severe repercussions for global markets.
US President Donald Trump has recently publicly pressed for a rapid end to the conflict. The proposed “Islamabad Accord” represents a critical diplomatic test, balancing immediate de-escalation with the complex, long-term issues of nuclear non-proliferation and regional security guarantees that Iran has demanded.
