Sources say discussions focus on Strait of Hormuz and temporary de-escalation
JERUSALEM: Iran was the party that initially proposed the 10-day ceasefire currently being discussed by international mediators seeking to reduce tensions between Tehran and Washington, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post, which cited two sources familiar with the negotiations.
The report said the proposal aims to create a temporary pause in hostilities to allow negotiations on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key issue at the centre of the current dispute following the collapse of the memorandum of understanding signed last month.
According to the report, mediators from Qatar, Egypt, Oman and Pakistan have presented the proposal to both governments while refining additional ideas during ongoing diplomatic contacts.
One proposal reportedly under discussion involves establishing a “middle corridor” through the Strait of Hormuz, positioned between Omani and Iranian-controlled waters, to facilitate the safe passage of commercial shipping.
Washington reportedly seeks longer pause
According to the cited sources, the United States is seeking a ceasefire lasting longer than 10 days and wants preliminary agreements on maritime navigation before any pause in fighting takes effect.
The report also quoted one source as saying that some officials within the Trump administration viewed Iran’s proposal unfavourably. However, no official US statement confirming those remarks had been issued.
Separately, a US official told The Jerusalem Post that President Donald Trump remains focused on holding Iran accountable for alleged violations of the memorandum of understanding and attacks that killed American service members.
Diplomatic efforts continue
The report said President Trump is expected to attend a ceremony honouring US personnel killed in recent attacks in Jordan and Iraq.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly chaired an extended security meeting on Monday to assess regional developments.
Following the meeting, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel had no interest in becoming directly involved in a conflict between the United States and Iran and preferred maintaining the current status quo.
The claims contained in the report are based on unnamed sources and have not been independently confirmed by the governments of Iran, the United States or the mediating countries.
