WEB DESK: Efforts to broker a temporary halt in hostilities between Iran and the United States have gained momentum, as mediators circulate a Pakistan-backed proposal aimed at securing a 45-day ceasefire, sources familiar with the process said on Monday.
The plan, reportedly developed with input from Pakistan, outlines a pathway to de-escalation that could potentially take effect within days and lead to the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Axios reported that Washington, Tehran, and regional stakeholders were exploring a two-phase arrangement, beginning with a temporary truce and eventually moving toward a lasting resolution of the conflict.
However, insiders caution that an immediate breakthrough remains uncertain. “The likelihood of reaching an initial agreement within the next 48 hours is limited,” a source noted, while emphasizing that the current diplomatic push may represent the last viable chance to prevent further escalation.
According to officials, a draft framework has already been exchanged between both sides. The proposal follows a two-step structure: an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement.
The initial phase is expected to be formalized through a memorandum of understanding, potentially finalized electronically via Pakistan, which is serving as the primary communication channel between the parties.
If accepted, the ceasefire would come into force right away, enabling maritime traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiators would then have a 15–20 day window to finalize broader terms of settlement.
The proposed agreement informally referred to as the “Islamabad Accord”—would also establish a regional mechanism for managing the waterway, with plans for final in-person negotiations to take place in Islamabad. So far, there has been no official response from authorities in either Washington or Tehran.
Iranian officials have previously indicated that any long-term agreement must include firm guarantees against future military action by the United States or its allies, including Israel. They also confirmed receiving diplomatic messages from mediators such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.
Sources suggest that a final deal could involve Iran committing to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons, in return for sanctions relief and access to frozen financial assets held abroad.
Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, with regional and international actors racing against time to secure a breakthrough and prevent the conflict from widening further.
