'First ceasefire, then nuclear deal': Will US, Iran finally make peace? Inside the Pakistan-proposed plan

Iran and the United States have received a proposal to end the ongoing war which involves immediate cessation of hostilities followed by a comprehensive agreement which includes nuclear deal. The Pakistan-proposed framework was shared overnight with the two sides.The plan could come into effect on Monday and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters cited a source saying.“All elements need to be agreed today,” the source said, adding the initial understanding would be structured as a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically through Pakistan, the sole communication channel in the talks, the news agency reported.

What’s inside the plan

Under the plan, an immediate ceasefire would come into force, allowing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, followed by a 15–20 day window to negotiate a wider settlement. The proposal, informally called the “Islamabad Accord”, envisions a regional mechanism to manage the strait, with final in-person talks expected to take place in Islamabad.

Two-stage plan proposed: Immediate ceasefire followed by a final agreement
Ceasefire could lead to reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Final deal within 15–20 days may include nuclear curbs and sanctions relief

According to sources, any final deal could include Iran agreeing not to pursue nuclear weapons in return for sanctions relief and the unfreezing of its assets.“Iran has not ⁠responded yet,” Reuters quoted a source saying, noting that ceasefire proposals backed by Pakistan, China and the United States have so far failed to secure any commitment from Tehran.Iranian officials have earlier said that Tehran is aiming for a permanent ceasefire, backed by assurances that it will not face future attacks from the US and Israel. They also said messages have been conveyed through mediators such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.The diplomatic push comes a day before Donald Trump’s fresh deadline to Iran to open the Hormuz ends. The US president warned Iran to open the Strait by Tuesday or “you’ll be living in Hell”. Iran dismissed the threat again and said that it would not open the Strait.

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