Egyptian, Pakistani, and Turkish mediators have put forward a proposal calling for a 45-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in a bid to create diplomatic space for negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
According to two Middle East officials cited by the Associated Press, the initiative also includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, as part of broader efforts to ease tensions and stabilise energy flows.
The proposal was reportedly delivered late Sunday to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, though neither side has issued an official response so far.
According to the Associated Press, the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, said the ceasefire plan is designed as a temporary pause to allow diplomatic channels to gain momentum, rather than a definitive settlement.
Central to the proposal is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. Any disruption to this maritime corridor has immediate implications for global energy markets and international trade.
The mediating countries are understood to be seeking to leverage their diplomatic ties with both Tehran and Washington to bridge gaps and reduce the risk of further escalation in a region already marked by heightened instability.
While details of the proposal remain limited, the initiative reflects growing concern among regional actors over the potential for a prolonged conflict and its spillover effects across the Middle East and beyond.
So far, there has been no public indication that either Iran or the United States is prepared to accept the terms of the proposal, leaving the diplomatic effort in a state of uncertainty.
The absence of an immediate response highlights the complexity of the current standoff, as both sides weigh strategic considerations amid mounting international pressure to de-escalate.
Efforts by third-party mediators have intensified in recent days, with multiple regional powers seeking to prevent further deterioration and to open pathways toward dialogue.
The proposed ceasefire, if accepted, could mark a first step toward broader negotiations, potentially addressing underlying disputes that have fuelled tensions between the two sides.
However, analysts caution that temporary truces have historically proven fragile in the absence of a comprehensive political framework, raising questions about the durability of any short-term arrangement.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration, as diplomatic channels continue to operate behind the scenes in an attempt to avert a deeper and more sustained confrontation.
