On the eve of a U.S. deadline, the United States and Iran were assessing a potential framework to end their five-week conflict, even as Tehran resisted pressure to quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if an agreement was not reached by Tuesday to allow the resumption of traffic through the key global energy route. A proposal, brokered by Pakistan, calls for an immediate ceasefire followed by broader peace negotiations to be completed within 15 to 20 days, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, held overnight talks with JD Vance, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as part of the diplomatic push.
Iran said it had conveyed its positions through intermediaries, stressing that negotiations could not proceed under threats or ultimatums. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s stance reflected confidence rather than compromise, adding that earlier proposals were rejected for being excessive.
A senior Iranian official indicated that Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary ceasefire or accept externally imposed deadlines, while also suggesting that Washington was not yet prepared for a lasting truce.
The ceasefire proposal is one of several options under consideration, and no final decision has been made. Meanwhile, financial markets reacted cautiously, with U.S. stock futures edging higher and oil prices declining as investors weighed the prospects of de-escalation.
Trump reiterated his deadline in a social media post, warning of further strikes on Iran’s energy and transport infrastructure if no deal is reached. Anwar Gargash said any agreement must ensure continued access through Hormuz and address Iran’s missile, drone, and nuclear programmes to avoid further instability in the region.
Hostilities continued across the region, with fresh airstrikes reported. Iran confirmed the death of Majid Khademi, while Israel claimed responsibility.
Strikes also targeted infrastructure in Tehran, including facilities linked to Sharif University of Technology. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, warned of further attacks on Iran’s infrastructure and leadership.
Israel said it had struck the South Pars petrochemical complex in Asaluyeh, with Iranian authorities reporting that fires were contained and no casualties occurred, though utility disruptions affected operations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed military activity near the Bushehr nuclear plant but said the facility itself was not damaged.
Despite mounting pressure, Iran continued retaliatory actions, targeting regional energy assets and maintaining restrictions on traffic through Hormuz, a route critical to roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas flows.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and economic disruption across the region, with thousands reported dead in Iran and additional fatalities in Israel and neighbouring countries.
Click here for more on World News
