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'Islamabad Accord': Iran, US consider ceasefire proposal via Pakistan; what we know so far
Iran said it won't reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary ceasefire, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, adding that it won't accept deadlines as it reviews the proposal
- PUBLISHED: Mon 6 Apr 2026, 4:56 PM UPDATED: Mon 6 Apr 2026, 5:56 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Iran and the United States have received a proposal aimed at ending hostilities that could come into effect on Monday, and potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan told Reuters.
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The framework, prepared by Pakistan, was shared overnight with both Iran and the US and outlines a two-phase approach: an immediate ceasefire followed by a broader, comprehensive agreement.
Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been in continuous contact with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi throughout the night, the source told Reuters.
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What do we know about the deal?
The proposed deal, tentatively dubbed by reports as the 'Islamabad Accord', would see a ceasefire take effect immediately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with 15–20 days allotted to finalise a broader settlement. A regional framework for the strait is also part of the plan, with final in-person talks scheduled in Islamabad.
The framework for a ceasefire is still under discussion, and its details will take time to be worked out.
Earlier on Sunday, Axios first reported that the US, Iran and regional mediators were discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of a two-phase deal that could lead to a permanent end to the war, citing US, Israeli and regional sources.
Iran has previously told Reuters that it is seeking a permanent ceasefire with assurances that it will not be attacked by the US or Israel. They have said Iran has received messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt.
The final agreement is expected to involve Iranian commitments to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.
When is the deadline?
According to the source, all elements of the plan need agreement today. The initial understanding would be formalised electronically through Pakistan, serving as the sole communication channel for the negotiations.
What is Iran saying?
Iran has rejected the proposed ceasefire, state media reported on Monday, despite strong warnings from Trump about potential strikes on key infrastructure.
According to the official IRNA news agency, Tehran conveyed its response to the US proposal through Pakistan, without revealing its source or what the US offer contained.
Several countries have been working as mediators to end more than five weeks of fighting.
"In this response, set out in ten points, Iran... has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict," the Iranian state news agency added.
IRNA also said Tehran's demands included "an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions".
Separately, The New York Times reported, citing senior Iranian officials, that Iran is also seeking assurances against future attacks and an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Under the reported proposal, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while imposing a fee of about $2 million per vessel, to be shared with Oman, which borders the waterway.
Iran would use its share of the revenue to rebuild infrastructure damaged in the conflict, rather than pursuing direct compensation, the report said.
Earlier, spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei noted that Iran has set out its requirements according to national interests, rejecting earlier US proposals such as the 15-point plan as 'excessive'.
He stressed that Tehran’s clear articulation of its demands reflects confidence in defending its positions, not a willingness to compromise.
"Iran does not hesitate to clearly express what it considers its legitimate demands, and doing so should not be interpreted as a sign of compromise but rather as a reflection of its confidence in defending its positions," Baghaei said in a press conference, as reported by Reuters.
What we know is that Iran said it won't reopen the Strait as part of a temporary ceasefire, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday, adding that Iran won't accept deadlines as it reviews the proposal. Washington lacks the readiness for a permanent ceasefire, the official said.
What is US saying?
US President Donald Trump on Monday called the plan a "significant proposal", but he later went on to say it was not good enough.
The White House on Monday confirmed there was a deal under consideration for a 45-day ceasefire with Iran, but that President Donald Trump had "not signed off" on the proposal and is continuing the war.
Earlier, in a post laden with expletives on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump threatened further strikes on Iranian energy and transport infrastructure if Iran failed to make a deal and reopen the Strait by Tuesday.
What's the latest status on the Strait of Hormuz?
The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called Thursday for the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force to protect the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.
Bahrain has proposed a draft resolution that would greenlight states to use "all necessary measures" to assure free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE has also joined Bahrain in calling for UN Security Council action on the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that each day without action brings the world closer to a wider crisis, with countries in the Global South 'facing the gravest consequences'.
However, the measure has divided the 15-member Security Council, with Russia, China and France reportedly voicing objections.
Meanwhile, AFP reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are finalising preparations to implement new operating rules in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closed since the outbreak of hostilities.
They warned that conditions in the strait “will never return to its previous status, especially for the US and Israel.” The statement came in response to renewed threats from President Trump on Sunday.
