Iran, US ceasefire plan emerges

Both Iran and the United States have received a two-tier plan aimed at ending hostilities between the two nations, a source familiar with the proposals told Reuters.

The plan envisions an initial ceasefire, followed by a broader agreement to formally end the conflict.

The initial understanding would be documented as a memorandum of understanding, facilitated electronically through Pakistan, the sole communication channel in the talks.

Under the proposed framework, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened immediately, while 15–20 days would be allowed to finalize a comprehensive settlement, tentatively called the “Islamabad Accord”.

The final deal is expected to include Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons, in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets, with in-person negotiations planned in Islamabad.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions, following US President Donald Trump’s threat to target critical Iranian infrastructure if the strait was not reopened by Tuesday 8pm US Eastern Time (1am Wednesday UK time).

Tehran has responded firmly, saying the waterway “will never return” to its former state.

In a separate development, Iran confirmed the death of its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) intelligence chief, with Israel vowing to continue targeting Iranian leaders.

Reports also emerged of a US pilot rescue operation, during which the CIA reportedly spread disinformation to recover an airman who climbed a 7,000ft ridge before being rescued. Iran claimed that several US aircraft were struck during the operation.