Hormuz To Reopen? ‘Immediate Ceasefire’ On Agenda As US, Iran Receive 2-Step Peace Plan

Last Updated:April 06, 2026, 2:19 PM IST

The deal, tentatively dubbed the ‘Islamabad Accord’, will include a regional framework for the strait, with final in-person talks in Islamabad

US and Iran flags are seen in this illustration. (REUTERS)

Iran and the United States have been presented with a plan to halt hostilities, potentially taking effect on Monday and reopening the Strait of Hormuza source familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Monday.

The proposal, crafted by Pakistan and shared with both Tehran and Washington overnight, lays out a two-step strategy: an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations toward a broader, comprehensive agreement.

The source quoted by Reuters said “all elements need to be agreed today”, adding that the initial understanding would be structured as a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically through Pakistan, the sole communication channel in ⁠the talks.

ALSO READ | Two Fronts, One Problem: How Afghanistan Conflict Clouds Pakistan’s Mediation Role In Iran War

Axios had reported on Sunday that the United States, Iran, and regional mediators are exploring a potential 45-day ceasefire, the first step in a two-phase plan that could pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict, according to US, Israeli, and regional sources.

Reuters added that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munirhas been in near-constant contact overnight with US Vice-President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Under the proposal, a ceasefire would take effect immediately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with 15-20 days to finalise a broader settlement. According to Reuters, the deal, tentatively dubbed the “Islamabad Accord”, will include a regional framework for the strait, with final in-person talks in Islamabad.

The final agreement is expected to include Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief and the ⁠release of frozen assets, the source said.

ALSO READ | ‘To-And-Fro’ Diplomacy: How Will ‘Mediator’ Pakistan Relay Messages In US-Iran Talks? Exclusive

Iranian officials have publicly maintained a hardline stance. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy said Sunday that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will “never return” to what it was before the war, particularly for the US and Israel.

Dr Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India, while commenting on the negotiations, said decisions regarding entering any form of negotiations are made “within the framework of overarching policies and with the input of the highest decision-making bodies”.

“Whenever it is determined that the interests of the Iranian people can be secured through diplomacy, the necessary steps will be taken. It should also be emphasised that we have had a very negative experience with the flawed cycle of war, ceasefire, negotiations, and then renewed war. Our officials are prudently working to ensure that this experience is not repeated,” he said.

The latest diplomatic push comes amid escalating hostilities that have raised concerns over disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil ⁠supplies.

US President Donald Trump has ramped up calls for a swift end to the conflict, cautioning of serious repercussions if a ceasefire isn’t achieved quickly. On Sunday, he told Axios that Washington is engaged in intensive diplomacy with Tehran ahead of his deadline on Tuesday. “There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there,” Trump said.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, speaking to Al Jazeera, declined to confirm or deny the reports about the proposed framework. “There have been several reports of a 45-day ceasefire offer, or 15-point exchange,” Andrabi told Al Jazeera. “We do not comment on these individual, specific incidents. Our point is that peace process is ongoing.”

The fighting has fuelled turbulence in global energy markets, with traders on edge over potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. A source with direct knowledge of the diplomatic efforts was quoted as saying by Axios that mediators are highly concerned that Iranian retaliation following potential US-Israeli strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure could cause significant damage to oil and water facilities in Gulf states.

Read More