The Iran-US ceasefire plan has been put forward as a key diplomatic effort, proposing a 45-day halt in fighting and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply, as tensions continue to escalate.
The draft proposal was delivered late Sunday to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and United States envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Middle Eastern officials familiar with the discussions. The initiative, led by Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey, aims to create a temporary pause in hostilities to allow space for negotiations towards a more lasting ceasefire. Neither Tehran nor Washington has responded publicly.
Fighting has continued across the region despite the proposal. Iranian state media reported that Major General Majid Khademi, intelligence chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel. Airstrikes across Iran since Sunday have resulted in more than 25 deaths.
In Israel, Iranian missile strikes on the city of Haifa killed at least two people, while others remain missing. The ongoing exchange of attacks highlights the difficulty of securing an immediate ceasefire, even as diplomatic channels remain open.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the situation due to its importance to global energy markets. A significant share of the world’s oil passes through the waterway, meaning any disruption has direct consequences for fuel prices and supply chains worldwide. Instability in the strait has already affected shipments and contributed to rising global energy costs.
United States President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran, warning of potential strikes on key infrastructure if the strait is not reopened within a set deadline. The warnings included threats targeting facilities such as power plants and transport networks, signalling a further escalation risk.
The conflict, which began on 28 February with joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread damage. It has also raised concerns over the impact on civilians and the broader implications for international law.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, uncertainty remains over whether the ceasefire proposal will be accepted. Both sides continue military operations while maintaining firm positions, leaving the outcome of negotiations unclear.
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