Iran is reviewing a Pakistan-backed ceasefire plan but has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz for a short-term deal, insisting on long-term guarantees before any agreement.
Iranian soldiers patrol the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran on April 30, 2019. The waterway carries about 20% of global oil supply and remains a key global energy chokepoint. (Photo: Xinhua/IANS)
Iran is not ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz just for a temporary pause in fighting, a senior official said, signalling that Tehran wants something more lasting than a short-term ceasefire.
The response comes even as backchannel efforts intensify to broker a pause in fighting, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran.
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According to Reuters, both the United States and Iran have received a proposal, put together by Pakistan, that outlines a two-step framework beginning with an immediate ceasefire, followed by a broader agreement.
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The plan, tentatively referred to as the “Islamabad Accord”, proposes reopening the Strait of Hormuz alongside a ceasefire, with a 15–20 day window to negotiate a long-term settlement.
However, the Iranian official said Tehran does not view Washington as ready for a permanent ceasefire and is unwilling to reopen the critical shipping route as part of a temporary arrangement.
Iran has acknowledged receiving Pakistan’s proposal and said it is under review, but stressed that it would not be pressured into accepting deadlines.
Tehran has maintained that any agreement must include guarantees against future attacks by the US and Israel, a demand it has conveyed through mediators including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt.
Sources cited by Reuters said Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir has been in continuous contact with key US and Iranian officials, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in an effort to push the framework forward.
Despite intensified diplomatic outreach involving Pakistan, China and the United States, Iran has not yet committed to a temporary ceasefire.
The proposal also includes a broader understanding under which Iran would agree not to pursue nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.
The developments come as a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches, with discussions underway for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict.
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