The United States and Iran have agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire, just hours before an escalation deadline set by Donald Trump was due to expire. The pause in hostilities comes after Tehran submitted a 10-point proposal—described by Trump as a “workable basis” for negotiations—while also agreeing to temporarily reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal, reportedly routed through Pakistan, outlines Iran’s conditions for ending the conflict. Central to the plan is the lifting of all US sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a binding United Nations resolution to formalise any agreement. Tehran has also demanded continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a full withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East and an end to attacks on Iran and its regional allies.
A controversial element relates to Iran’s nuclear programme. While Farsi versions of the proposal reportedly include “acceptance of enrichment,” this phrase was absent in English versions shared with international media—raising questions about messaging and intent.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would resume under Iranian military supervision. Reports suggest that Iran, possibly in coordination with Oman, could levy transit fees on ships—potentially up to $2 million per vessel—to fund post-conflict reconstruction. However, Tehran has also warned it could shut the strait again if negotiations collapse.
For Washington, several of these demands remain contentious. Iran’s insistence on retaining control over the Strait—through which a significant share of global oil passes—has triggered alarm among policymakers. US Senator Chris Murphy called such a provision “cataclysmic” if accepted, citing global economic risks.
While Trump has not publicly endorsed specific elements of the plan, he has signalled openness to negotiations, noting the US would assist in managing congestion in the strait. Analysts believe Iran’s sweeping demands are likely negotiating positions rather than final conditions, intended to shape the framework of talks.
Israel has backed the temporary ceasefire but clarified that it does not extend to Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Iran must guarantee free navigation through the Strait and halt attacks across the region, while supporting US efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
The diplomatic push is being actively mediated by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has invited US and Iranian representatives for talks in Islamabad. China, Iran’s largest trading partner, is also believed to have played a behind-the-scenes role in encouraging Tehran to engage.
As negotiations inch forward, the gap between US and Iranian expectations remains wide. While the ceasefire offers temporary relief, the coming days will determine whether it evolves into a durable agreement—or merely delays another phase of conflict.
Also Read: Data Contradicts Trump’s Claims On Iran War And Oil Dependency https://www.vibesofindia.com/data-contradicts-trumps-claims-on-iran-war-and-oil-dependency/
