Tensions Rise as Iran and Pakistan Propose Peace Plans Amid Ongoing Conflict
Escalating Threats from Donald Trump
Donald Trump has been issuing continuous warnings to Tehran, stating that if an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supply, is not reached by Tuesday evening, severe consequences will follow. Meanwhile, intermediary nations are striving to end hostilities through a peace initiative. However, it appears that no country is willing to concede, raising global concerns about the future of this 39-day conflict. On April 6, Iran rejected the U.S. ceasefire proposal and submitted a ten-point response to Pakistan, demanding a permanent end to the war.
Pakistan's Peace Proposal
Emerging as a key mediator in the peace process between Iran and the U.S., Pakistan unveiled a peace plan on Monday aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict that has lasted five weeks. Islamabad proposed a two-phase plan to Iran, urging an end to the U.S.-Israel war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report, the plan outlines an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement between the two parties. Additionally, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in contact with top officials from both nations, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The proposal, referred to as the 'Islamabad Agreement,' calls for an immediate ceasefire and a timeline of 15 to 20 days to finalize a broader agreement. This final agreement would include Iran's commitment to refrain from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for relief from sanctions and the release of seized assets.
Iran's Response to the Islamabad Agreement
Iranian officials acknowledged Pakistan's diplomatic efforts but have rejected the peace proposal. Tehran stated that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary ceasefire and would not accept any deadlines during the proposal review. An Iranian official indicated that Washington is not prepared for a permanent ceasefire. Mojtaba Fardousi Pour, head of the Iranian diplomatic mission, told the Associated Press that they will not accept a ceasefire unless guaranteed that they will not be attacked again. He also mentioned that Iranian and Omani officials are working on establishing a mechanism for the administration of this vital shipping route.
Iran's Ten-Point Counterproposal
In response to Pakistan's peace proposal, Iran has sent its own ten-point counterproposal aimed at ending the war against the U.S. According to a report, Tehran's proposal includes guarantees that the country will not be attacked again, that Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon will cease, and that all sanctions will be lifted. In return, Iran would lift the blockade on the critical shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also plans to impose a fee of approximately $2 million per ship, which it will share with Oman, rather than seeking compensation, using its share to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by U.S. and Israeli attacks.