The United States and Iran are assessing a potential ceasefire framework to end their five-week-long conflict, as a deadline set by Donald Trump approaches. Washington has warned of severe consequences if Tehran fails to reach a deal and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday.
President Trump has threatened to unleash “hell” on Iran if maritime traffic is not restored through the key global energy corridor, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Iran effectively shut the strait following U.S. and Israeli strikes earlier this year, using it as a major bargaining tool in the ongoing crisis.
However, Tehran has resisted mounting pressure, signaling it will not reopen the Strait as part of a temporary ceasefire or bow to deadlines. A senior Iranian official said the country is unwilling to negotiate under threats, while Washington is also not yet ready for a permanent ceasefire agreement.
A ceasefire proposal, reportedly brokered by Pakistan, suggests an immediate halt in hostilities followed by negotiations on a broader peace deal within 15 to 20 days. The plan emerged after intense diplomatic contacts involving Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has conveyed its demands through intermediaries, emphasizing that negotiations cannot proceed under ultimatums or threats of war crimes. He stressed that Iran’s stance reflects confidence rather than compromise, and dismissed earlier U.S. proposals as excessive.
A White House official described the ceasefire plan as “one of many ideas,” noting that Trump has not approved it and that U.S. military operations—referred to as “Operation Epic Fury”—are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate on the ground. Fresh airstrikes were reported across the region, with Israel intensifying its offensive. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Iran’s infrastructure would be systematically targeted.
Iran reported attacks on key petrochemical facilities, including the South Pars complex, though no casualties were confirmed. Fires were brought under control by emergency teams. Earlier strikes also hit infrastructure linked to technology and energy sectors, worsening economic disruptions.
The war has caused significant casualties and regional instability. According to rights group HRANA, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Iran, including hundreds of children. In Israel, missile attacks have killed civilians, while fighting has spilled over into Lebanon, where clashes with Iran-backed groups have resulted in heavy losses.
Despite repeated U.S. claims of degrading Iran’s military capabilities, Tehran has demonstrated its ability to retaliate, targeting energy infrastructure and maritime assets across the Middle East.
As the deadline nears, uncertainty remains over whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation in a conflict that has already shaken global energy markets and raised fears of a broader regional war.