The United States and Iran have received a two-phase mediation proposal calling for a ceasefire followed by a permanent peace deal, just one day before the airstrike deadline on power facilities warned by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Mediator Pakistan proposed a two-phase approach to both nations that would complete peace negotiations during a 45-day ceasefire, Reuters and Axios reported Tuesday. A source said, "An agreement on ending the war must be reached today," adding that "the initial agreement will take the form of a memorandum of understanding finalized through Pakistan as a communication channel."
A day earlier, Axios cited four sources from the U.S., Israel and the Middle East, reporting that a two-phase negotiation plan was being discussed under mediation by Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye. The so-called "Islamabad Accord" would see an immediate ceasefire announcement, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a comprehensive agreement reached within 15 to 20 days.
However, Iran is placing greater emphasis on a permanent end to hostilities with guarantees against resumption rather than a mere ceasefire, signaling that negotiations will not be easy. A senior Iranian government official told Reuters that "Iran is reviewing Pakistan's proposal for an immediate ceasefire but is not open to a 'temporary truce.'"
The "Islamabad Accord" proposed by the mediating nations is centered on addressing thorny issues after a ceasefire takes effect first. Once the ceasefire goes into immediate effect, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen, and a deal reflecting the demands of the U.S., Israel and Iran would follow. The final agreement is expected to include Iran abandoning nuclear weapons development and making ballistic missile commitments in exchange for sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets. However, Iran, which already controls the Strait of Hormuz, is expected to leverage that position to maximize its bargaining power.
The mediating nations are reportedly considering proposals to Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the disposal of highly enriched uranium stockpiles. They are simultaneously reviewing measures the Trump administration could take to prevent war from resuming. Iran has previously demanded international guarantees that the U.S. and Israel will not launch another attack as one of the conditions for ending the war. The mediators are also exploring confidence-building measures the U.S. could take to accommodate some of Iran's demands.
