ISLAMABAD: Iran and the United States have received a Pakistan-formulated plan aimed at ending ongoing hostilities, with the possibility of swift implementation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a source familiar with the developments on Monday.
The framework, prepared by Pakistan, was shared overnight with both Tehran and Washington. It outlines a two-tier strategy, beginning with an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations toward a comprehensive and lasting agreement.
The source emphasized that all key elements of the proposal need to be agreed upon promptly, adding that the initial understanding would take the form of a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically, with Pakistan acting as the sole communication channel.
Earlier, Axios reported that Pakistan, alongside other regional mediators, has been actively engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to secure a potential 45-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which could pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict.
According to the source, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, remained in continuous contact throughout the night with senior officials, including US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as part of efforts to advance the proposal.
Under the suggested plan, a ceasefire would come into effect immediately, leading to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A period of 15 to 20 days would then be allocated to finalize a broader settlement. The proposed agreement, tentatively named the “Islamabad Accord,” also envisions a regional framework governing the strait, with final in-person negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad.
However, a senior Iranian official indicated that while Tehran has received the proposal and is reviewing it, it does not accept being pressured into decisions or bound by strict deadlines. The official also stated that Iran would not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, expressing skepticism about Washington’s commitment to a lasting peace.
Iranian officials have consistently maintained that any agreement must ensure a permanent ceasefire, accompanied by guarantees against future attacks by the United States or Israel. They confirmed that messages have been received from multiple mediators, including Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt.
The proposed final agreement is expected to include commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, in exchange for sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets. Despite intensified diplomatic outreach from both civilian and military channels in Pakistan, sources indicated that Iran has yet to make any formal commitment to the proposal.
One Pakistani source noted that Tehran has not responded so far, despite backing from Pakistan, China, and the United States for a temporary ceasefire arrangement. The lack of immediate commitment reflects ongoing complexities in reaching consensus.
Separately, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined to confirm or deny reports that Islamabad had formally presented such a framework. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he acknowledged circulating reports about a 45-day ceasefire or a multi-point plan but reiterated that the government does not comment on specific developments, maintaining that the peace process remains underway.
This latest diplomatic push comes amid escalating tensions that have raised serious concerns over potential disruptions to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international oil supplies. The situation has also drawn attention from global markets.
US President Donald Trump has recently called for a swift end to the conflict, warning of consequences if a ceasefire is not achieved within a short period. Meanwhile, volatility in energy markets has increased, with traders closely monitoring developments that could impact oil flows through the strategically significant waterway.