On Monday, reports emerged that the United States and Iran are discussing a two-phase ceasefire plan aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement following an immediate truce.
Reuters reported that Pakistan, acting as a mediator, submitted the basic framework of a two-step peace plan to both Washington and Tehran overnight. If an agreement is reached, the ceasefire could take effect as early as today.
Dubbed the Islamabad Accord, this mediation proposal aims to establish a comprehensive peace agreement within 15 to 20 days after the initial ceasefire.
The plan reportedly includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded, and establish a regional framework to manage the strategic waterway.
There are also indications that Iran might commit to halting its nuclear weapons program in exchange for the easing of U.S. sanctions and the release of frozen assets.
Sources indicate that all elements must be agreed upon today. The U.S. and Iran plan to reach an initial agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) facilitated by Pakistan, followed by a final face-to-face meeting in Islamabad.
U.S. news outlet Axios also reported, citing American, Israeli, and Middle Eastern officials, that discussions are underway for a two-phase peace plan that would negotiate an end to hostilities after a ceasefire lasting up to 45 days.
Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir is spearheading discussions on the ceasefire proposal, coordinating with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
As military tensions between the U.S. and Iran reach a boiling point, the mediator’s actions appear to be gaining momentum, with back-channel negotiations taking place simultaneously.
President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The deadline has been set for 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday.
A senior Iranian government official confirmed to Reuters that they received and are reviewing Pakistan’s immediate ceasefire proposal. However, they emphasized that Iran will not bow to pressure to make decisions under an arbitrary deadline.
The official stated that from Iran’s perspective, the U.S. is not prepared for a permanent ceasefire, adding that Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary truce.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated during a press briefing that Tehran has prepared its response and will announce the details at the appropriate time.
However, he noted that Iran has already communicated a series of demands based on national interests through mediation channels and rejected the 15-point plan proposed by the U.S. as excessive.
Baghaei asserted that Iran will clearly express what it considers legitimate demands, and warned that this should not be interpreted as a sign of compromise, as it reflects Iran’s resolve.
The U.S. has been demanding that Iran accept 15 conditions, including abandoning its nuclear weapons program, limiting missile capabilities, and ceasing support for regional proxy forces. Iran, on the other hand, prioritizes the cessation of U.S. and Israeli attacks, payment of war reparations, and guarantees against future aggression.