The ‘Islamabad Accord’ could end the Middle East crisis and reopen Strait of Hormuz, but it is currently facing a huge roadblock

A new plan to end hostilities in the Middle East, potentially reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz, has been presented to Iran and the United States, with an initial agreement hoped for by Monday, as reported by Reuters. This framework, put together by Pakistan, has been exchanged with both nations overnight, outlining a two-tier approach that starts with an immediate ceasefire and then moves towards a more comprehensive and lasting agreement.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that all elements of this initial understanding need to be agreed upon today. The plan would be structured as a memorandum of understanding, finalized electronically through Pakistan, which has been serving as the sole communication channel in these high-stakes discussions.

This latest diplomatic push comes as hostilities have really ramped up, causing serious concerns about disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is an absolutely critical artery for global oil supplies, with more than 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas typically passing through it.

The ongoing conflict has made energy markets incredibly volatile, and traders are watching every single development that could affect flows through the strait

Under the proposal, tentatively dubbed the “Islamabad Accord,” a ceasefire would take effect immediately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Following that, there would be a 15-to-20-day period to finalize a broader settlement. This deal would also include a regional framework for the strait itself, with final in-person talks expected to happen in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been working tirelessly, reportedly in contact “all night long” with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

However, despite all this frantic diplomacy and outreach from both civilian and military channels, Iran has not yet committed to the proposals. One source mentioned that proposals backed by Pakistan, China, and the United States for a temporary ceasefire have not drawn a commitment so far from Tehran. There hasn’t been any immediate response from U.S. or Iranian officials, and Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, declined to comment.

Iranian officials have previously made it clear that Tehran is looking for a permanent ceasefire, complete with guarantees that they won’t be attacked again by the U.S. and Israel. They’ve received messages from various mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt. The final agreement is anticipated to include commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.

The situation is incredibly tense. On Monday, a top university in Tehran and the South Pars Petrochemical Plant in Asaluyeh were bombed, killing at least 34 people in Iran. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts but stressed that Iran is laser-focused on its security amid these latest attacks from the U.S. and Israel. This makes their reluctance to commit to a temporary ceasefire without guarantees completely understandable.

Baghaei also firmly stated that Tehran would never accept a 15-point plan put forward by the U.S. last month, calling such proposals “extremely ambitious, unusual, and illogical.” He emphasized that Iran has finalized its own demands, based on its interests and considerations, and will reveal them when the time is right, making it clear that Iran won’t bow to external pressure.

Tehran has also stated that it will not reopen the strait as part of a temporary ceasefire and will not accept deadlines as it reviews the proposal. This really complicates things, as the immediate reopening of Hormuz is a key part of the “Islamabad Accord.”

President Trump has publicly pressed for a rapid end to the conflict in recent days, warning of consequences if a ceasefire isn’t reached within a short timeframe. He even posted an expletive-laden message on Easter, threatening to rain “hell” on Tehran if a deal to reopen the strait wasn’t made by the end of Tuesday.

The human cost of this conflict is truly devastating. Iranian authorities report that over 2,000 people have been killed in Iran since the war began on February 28. In Lebanon, where Israel has invaded the south and struck Beirut, authorities say 1,461 people have been killed, including at least 124 children. More than 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced from their homes.