Pakistan is once again center-stage in efforts to secure a ceasefire in Iran, with reports indicating the country has proposed a two-phase deal to end the conflict in a bid to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore regional peace.
According to news agency Reuters, Army chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir held separate talks with U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi to secure an immediate ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. If the deal is accepted, broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran would follow within 2-3 weeks, most likely in Pakistan.
Citing a source aware of the proposal, the news agency said the two-phase deal called for an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure has roiled global oil supplies. The second part of the plan calls for the negotiation of a final, comprehensive peace deal within 2-3 weeks. As part of this, Iran would agree to forego nuclear weapons, and receive relief from sanctions and release of its frozen assets.
While the U.S. has expressed willingness to proceed with the plan, Iran remains hesitant due to its trust deficit with Washington. According to Reuters, Tehran has received Pakistan’s proposal and is reviewing it, but is unwilling to accept any deadlines or pressure to make its decision.
Additionally, Iran has made clear it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Reuters reported that a key reason for Iran’s position was its belief that the United States lacks readiness for a permanent ceasefire.
The latest diplomatic push comes amid escalating hostilities, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning on social media that Washington would target Iran’s power plants and bridges if a ceasefire is not agreed upon by Tuesday (April 7). Apprehensions over the conflict expanding have roiled energy markets, with traders closely watching any developments that could affect flows through the strait.