The United States and Iran are reviewing a proposed framework aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East, but Tehran has made it clear it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary truce. The plan, tentatively dubbed the Islamabad Accord, envisions a two-step process with an immediate ceasefire followed by a broader, comprehensive agreement.
A source familiar with the proposals told Reuters that Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in continuous contact “all night long” with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to discuss the initiative.
The Proposed Framework: ‘Islamabad Accord’
| Proposed Name | Islamabad Accord |
| Mediator | Pakistan (Army Chief Asim Munir) |
| Structure | Two-step process |
| Step 1 | Immediate ceasefire |
| Step 2 | Broader, comprehensive agreement |
| Potential Timeline | 45-day ceasefire under consideration (per Axios) |
Earlier, Axios reported that the US, Iranian, and regional mediators were considering a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of the two-phase deal, which could eventually pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict.
Iran’s Firm Stance on the Strait of Hormuz
| Iran’s Position | Will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz for a temporary ceasefire |
| Official Statement | “Tehran would not accept pressures or deadlines to make a decision” |
| Strategic Importance | Strait carries ~20% of world’s oil and natural gas |
“Iran won’t reopen the Strait as part of a temporary ceasefire. Tehran would not accept pressures or deadlines to make a decision,” a senior official said.
Trump’s Looming Deadline
| Original Deadline | Monday evening |
| Extended Deadline | Tuesday, 8 pm ET (20-hour extension) |
| Trump’s Warning | “Raining hell down” on Iran if talks collapse |
| Demand | Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a deal |
The development came hours after President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iranian energy and transport infrastructure if Tehran did not agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday.
Earlier, Trump said negotiations were ongoing and suggested a deal was still within reach, but paired that with a stark warning.
Ongoing Conflict Context
| War Start Date | February 28, 2026 (US-Israel strikes on Iran) |
| Duration | More than 5 weeks |
| Iran’s Actions | Effectively closed Hormuz; strikes on US/Israeli positions and Gulf energy infrastructure |
Fresh aerial strikes continued across the region on Monday, more than five weeks after the United States and Israel launched sustained attacks on Iran on February 28. The conflict has already resulted in thousands of casualties and sent global oil prices surging.
