Iran and the United States have received a proposed framework aimed at ending hostilities that could take effect as early as Monday and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
The proposal, drafted by Pakistan, was exchanged overnight with both Tehran and Washington. It outlines a two-stage process, beginning with an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations toward a comprehensive and lasting settlement.
“All elements must be agreed today,” the source said, adding that the initial understanding would be formalized as a memorandum of understanding, finalized electronically through Pakistan, which is serving as the sole communication channel in the talks.
The development follows a report by Axios on Sunday that the United States, Iran, and regional mediators were discussing a 45-day ceasefire as part of a broader two-phase agreement that could eventually lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
According to the source, Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in continuous contact with senior officials, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, throughout the night.
Under the proposal, an immediate ceasefire would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, followed by a 15–20 day window to finalize a broader political and security agreement. The tentative framework, referred to by negotiators as the “Islamabad Accord”, would establish a regional mechanism governing the strait, with final in-person negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad.
There was no immediate response from U.S. or Iranian officials. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined to comment.
Iranian officials have previously told Reuters that Tehran is seeking a permanent ceasefire, along with firm guarantees against future attacks by the United States and Israel. Iran has confirmed receiving messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.
According to the source, a final agreement would likely include Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons, in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.
However, two Pakistani sources cautioned that Iran has yet to formally commit, despite intensified diplomatic engagement at both civilian and military levels.
“Iran has not responded yet,” one source said, noting that proposals for a temporary ceasefire backed by Pakistan, China, and the United States have so far failed to secure a commitment from Tehran. Chinese officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid escalating hostilities that have heightened concerns over potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical conduit for global oil supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump has in recent days publicly urged a swift resolution, warning of consequences if a ceasefire is not reached within a short timeframe.
The conflict has already increased volatility in global energy markets, with traders closely monitoring developments that could affect oil and gas flows through the strategically vital waterway.
