The United States and Iran are currently examining a proposed framework aimed at resolving conflicts in the Middle East, with Tehran asserting that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement.
The proposed plan involves a two-stage process starting with an immediate cessation of hostilities followed by a more comprehensive agreement. A source familiar with the discussions revealed that Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in constant communication with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to deliberate on the initiative tentatively named the Islamabad Accord.
“Iran has stated its refusal to reopen the Strait as a condition for a temporary truce. Tehran is not willing to be pressured or given deadlines for such a decision,” a senior official emphasized.
Recent reports indicated that US, Iranian, and regional mediators were contemplating a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of the proposed two-phase arrangement, aiming to eventually pave the way for a lasting resolution to the Middle East conflict.
These discussions followed President Donald Trump’s recent threat to target Iranian energy and transportation infrastructure if Tehran did not agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a specified deadline. Trump’s ultimatum, shared on his Truth Social platform, conveyed his frustration with the stalled negotiations through assertive language.
Trump had initially set a deadline for Tehran to reopen the Hormuz waterway by Monday evening, which was later extended by 20 hours, with a new cut-off time scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm ET. Despite ongoing negotiations and prospects of an agreement, Trump issued a stern warning of severe consequences if the talks were to collapse.
In the midst of these diplomatic efforts, continued aerial attacks persisted across the region on Monday, following sustained strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran since February 28. The conflict has already resulted in numerous casualties and significant spikes in global oil prices.
In response, Iran closed off the critical Hormuz waterway, a vital passage for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supply, and conducted retaliatory strikes on military positions and energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.
The situation remains volatile as diplomatic efforts continue amidst escalating tensions in the region.