By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Iran on Monday said that it is reviewing a Pakistan-backed ceasefire plan but has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz for a short-term deal, insisted on long-term guarantees before any agreement.
Iran is not ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz just for a temporary pause in fighting, a senior official said, signaled that Tehran wants something more lasting than a short-term ceasefire.
The response came even as backchannel efforts intensify to broker a pause in fighting, with Pakistan emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran.
According to media reports both the US 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.
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.
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 media reports 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.
Iran has not yet committed to a temporary ceasefire despite intensified diplomatic outreach involving Pakistan, China and the United States.
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 came 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, media reported.
