Efforts to Stop War Between Washington and Tehran via "Islamabad Agreement": Immediate Truce and Comprehensive Negotiations

Washington – Saeed Erikat – 6/4/2026

Reuters quoted an informed source on Monday that Iran and the United States have received a comprehensive proposal to end hostilities, which could take effect immediately and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most vital passages for global oil supplies.

The source explained that Pakistan has prepared a political and security framework to de-escalate, which was exchanged with both Tehran and Washington overnight, and includes a two-phase approach: the first is an immediate ceasefire, followed by negotiations to reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement. The source stressed the need to agree on all elements of the plan on the same day, noting that the initial understanding will be drafted into a memorandum of understanding completed electronically via Pakistan, which currently serves as the primary communication channel between the parties.

Axios had previously revealed ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, with the participation of regional mediators, to discuss a 45-day truce, as part of a two-phase bilateral deal that could lead to a permanent end to the war, based on American, Israeli, and regional sources.

In the same context, the source stated that Pakistani Army Chief, Asim Munir, held intensive contacts "all night" with US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an attempt to bridge viewpoints and push the proposal towards implementation.

According to the plan, the ceasefire begins immediately, allowing for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with a grace period of 15 to 20 days to complete a broader agreement. The proposal bears the preliminary name "Islamabad Agreement" and includes a regional framework specific to the Strait, with final face-to-face negotiations organized in the Pakistani capital.

So far, no official comment has been issued by either the American or Iranian sides, and the spokesperson for the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, refrained from making any statements. In contrast, Reuters quoted Iranian officials confirming Tehran's pursuit of a permanent ceasefire, conditioned on guarantees preventing it from future attacks by the United States or Israel, noting that it has received messages through mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.

The final agreement is expected to include Iranian commitments not to seek nuclear weapons, in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen financial assets. However, two Pakistani sources indicated that Iran has not yet provided a clear commitment to the proposal, despite the escalating pace of political and military contacts.

In the absence of an official response from China, which also supports diplomatic efforts, efforts to contain the escalation continue, especially with growing concerns about disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is publicly pushing for a quick ceasefire, warning of serious repercussions if the conflict continues.

Military escalation has directly impacted global energy markets, with investors anticipating any developments that could affect oil flow through the Strait, increasing price volatility.

The Pakistani initiative reveals a significant shift in regional mediation balances, as traditional powers are no longer solely controlling de-escalation paths. Islamabad's entry as a sole communication channel reflects relative trust from both sides, but it also places it before a difficult test in managing complex balances involving Washington, Tehran, and Beijing. The success of this initiative depends on Pakistan's ability to provide practical guarantees, especially regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial element in convincing the parties of the seriousness of the agreement.

The focus on a phased truce reflects an international understanding that ending the war all at once may be unrealistic in the current circumstances. Therefore, the actual goal seems to be to "buy time" to de-escalate and prevent a slide into a wider confrontation. However, this approach carries risks, as a temporary truce could turn into a mere tactical pause exploited by the parties to reposition themselves. The success of the first phase requires strict monitoring mechanisms and clear guarantees to prevent its rapid collapse.

The fate of this agreement is closely linked to the Iranian nuclear program, which remains the most sensitive knot in any settlement. Proposing the equation of "nuclear commitments for sanctions relief" brings back the model of previous agreements, but it faces greater challenges today due to the erosion of trust between the parties. Moreover, the introduction of the factor of releasing frozen assets provides Tehran with a significant economic incentive, but it may provoke internal opposition in the United States, threatening the sustainability of any potential agreement.