Iran and US Consider 45-Day Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions
Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalating Conflict
File image of thick smoke billowing over Tehran after US–Israel airstrikes on Iran. (Photo - @Vahid / X)
Dubai, Apr 6: A draft proposal advocating for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has been presented to both Iran and the United States, amidst increasing violence and casualties in the region.
Two officials from the Middle East, who requested anonymity, revealed that the proposal was delivered late Sunday to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
This initiative, proposed by mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, aims to create a 45-day period for negotiations towards a lasting ceasefire. As of now, there has been no official reaction from either Tehran or Washington.
The proposal emerges during a time of heightened conflict, with Iranian state media reporting the death of the head of intelligence for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in a targeted attack on Monday.
Reports indicate that strikes across various Iranian cities from Sunday to Monday have resulted in over 25 fatalities.
In Israel, rescue operations are ongoing following Iranian missile strikes, with two individuals confirmed dead in Haifa and two others missing under debris.
Israeli emergency services reported that multiple locations in central Israel were struck by missiles on Monday morning.
In Petah Tikva, paramedics treated a woman suffering from serious chest injuries due to shrapnel before transporting her to Beilinson Hospital. Firefighters continued their search efforts amid burning vehicles and damaged buildings.
A man in Tel Aviv sustained minor injuries from shattered glass and was taken to Ichilov Hospital. Visuals from Magen David Adom displayed extensive damage to residential structures following the missile strikes.
Israel’s military issued several alerts throughout the morning, cautioning about further missile attacks from Iran, marking at least the fourth warning of the day.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric on Sunday, threatening potential strikes on Iran’s critical infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a Tuesday deadline.
In a strongly worded social media post, Trump hinted at possible actions targeting vital installations.
The situation remains precarious, with diplomatic efforts ongoing even as military exchanges continue between both sides.