Web Desk: Pakistan has put forward a proposal to halt hostilities between Iran and the United States, with the plan potentially taking effect as early as Monday and enabling the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the discussions said.
The proposal, shared overnight with both Tehran and Washington, lays out a phased approach. It calls first for an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations on a wider and more durable settlement.
“All elements must be settled today,” the source said. The initial arrangement would take the form of a memorandum of understanding, to be concluded electronically through Pakistan, which is serving as the primary conduit for communication.
At the same time, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, maintained overnight contact with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the source added.
Under the framework, a truce would come into force immediately, allowing traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies. The plan also envisions a 15 to 20-day period to negotiate a broader agreement.
The proposed arrangement, informally referred to as the “Islamabad Accord,” includes provisions for a regional mechanism governing the waterway and foresees final, face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad.
Earlier reports by Axios indicated that U.S., Iranian and regional officials were exploring a 45-day ceasefire as part of a broader, two-step process aimed at ending the conflict permanently.
However, officials in both Washington and Tehran have yet to publicly comment on the proposal. Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined to provide details, while Chinese authorities also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have signalled in previous exchanges that they are seeking a lasting ceasefire, coupled with assurances against future military action by the United States and Israel. Tehran has also acknowledged receiving outreach from mediators including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt.
The source said a final agreement could include Iranian commitments to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons, in return for sanctions relief and access to frozen financial assets.
Even so, progress remains uncertain. Two Pakistani sources said Iran has not yet agreed to the proposals despite intensified diplomatic and military-level engagement.
“Iran has not responded yet,” one source said, noting that ceasefire ideas supported by Pakistan, China and the United States have so far failed to secure a firm commitment.
Read more: Is the war ending? Major progress in 45-day ceasefire talks
