Iran won’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a “temporary ceasefire”, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday (April 6, 2026), adding that Tehran views Washington as lacking the readiness for a permanent ceasefire.
The official confirmed Iran had received Pakistan’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire and was reviewing it, adding that Tehran does not accept being pressured to accept deadlines and make a decision.
Iran and the United States have received a plan to end hostilities that could come into effect on Monday (April 6, 2026) and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a source aware of the proposals said on Monday (April 6, 2026).
A framework to end hostilities has been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with Iran and the U.S. overnight, the source said, outlining a two-tier approach with an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement.
“All elements need to be agreed today,” the source said, adding the initial understanding would be structured as a memorandum of understanding finalised electronically through Pakistan, the sole communication channel in the talks.
Axios first reported on Sunday (April 5, 2026) that the United States, Iran and regional mediators were discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of a two-phase deal that could lead to a permanent end to the war, citing U.S., Israeli and regional sources.
The source told Reuters Pakistan’s Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been in contact “all night long” with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Under the proposal, a ceasefire would take effect immediately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with 15–20 days to finalise a broader settlement. The deal, tentatively dubbed the “Islamabad Accord,” would include a regional framework for the Strait, with final in-person talks in Islamabad.
There was no immediate response from U.S. officials. Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined comment.
Iranian officials have previously told Reuters that Tehran was seeking a permanent ceasefire with guarantees they will not be attacked again by the U.S. and Israel. They have said Iran has received messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt.
The final agreement is expected to include Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets, the source said.
Two Pakistani sources said Iran has yet to commit despite intensified civilian and military outreach.
“Iran has not responded yet,” one source said, adding proposals backed by Pakistan, China and the United States for a temporary ceasefire have drawn no commitment so far.
There was no immediate response from Chinese officials to requests for comment.
The latest diplomatic push comes amid escalating hostilities that have raised concerns over disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump has in recent days publicly pressed for a rapid end to the conflict, warning of consequences if a ceasefire is not reached within a short timeframe.
The conflict has heightened volatility in energy markets, with traders closely watching any developments that could affect flows through the Strait.
U.S. President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday (April 5) his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday (April 7, 2026) evening.
As per Axios, the Iranian officials have made it clear to the mediators they don’t want to be caught in a Gaza or Lebanon situation where there is a ceasefire on paper, but that the US and Israel attack again whenever they want to.
Meanwhile it further reported that the mediators are also working on other U.S. confidence-building measures the Washington could take which would address some of Iran’s demands.
The developments come as the mediators are highly concerned that the Iranian retaliation for a US-Israeli strike on the country’s energy infrastructure would be destructive for Gulf countries’ oil and water facilities.
Published – April 06, 2026 09:18 am IST
