ISLAMABAD: Pakistan confirmed that the ‘peace process’ between Iran and the United States is going on but declined to comment on the specifics, as speculations about an “Islamabad Accord “ was doing the rounds.
Tahir Andrabi, Spokesperson at the Foreign Office, was asked to comment on Reuters report that Pakistan along with other regional countries was trying to broker a 45-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States that could lead to a permanent end to the war.
“Regarding reports of a 45-day ceasefire or 15-point exchange, we do not comment on such specifics. Our position remains that the peace process is ongoing,” he said.
Interestingly, the spokesperson did not outright reject the report but neither did he confirm it.
Earlier, American news website Axios first reported on Sunday that Pakistan, along with other regional mediators, was engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to broker a potential 45-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States that could lead to a permanent end to the war.
Later, the source told Reuters that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been in contact “all night long” with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
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.
Meanwhile, senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran 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.
Iranian officials have previously told Reuters that Tehran was seeking a permanent ceasefire with guarantees they will not be attacked again by the US and Israel. They have said Iran has received messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkiye 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. 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 shipment
Iranian Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday said Tehran had a set of requirements based on its national interests that had already been conveyed via intermediary channels, adding that earlier US demands, such as the 15-point plan, were rejected for being “excessive.”
“Iran does not hesitate to clearly express what it considers its legitimate demands and doing so should not be interpreted as a sign of compromise, but rather as a reflection of its confidence in defending its positions,” Baghaei said in a press conference.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with several of his counterparts, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, to review the latest regional developments.
“Both leaders emphasised the urgent need for de-escalation to ensure peace and stability, and agreed to remain in close contact,” said the Foreign Office about call with Saudi FM.
Dar also spoke on the phone with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Hamid Falconer and Minister of Stat efor Foreign Affairs Japan Toshimitsu Motegi.
The evolving regional was discussed while there was appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy in support of peace and stability in the region.
Dar in his telephonic conversations emphasised the urgent need for immediate de-escalation and underscored Pakistan’s efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
According to Reuters, the Iranian response consisted of 10 clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction.
President Donald Trump, who has threatened to rain “hell” on Tehran if it did not make a deal by 8pm EDT Tuesday (midnight GMT) to open the vital route for global energy supplies, rejected the Iranian proposal on Monday and said his deadline was final.
“This is one of many ideas, and (Trump) has not signed off on it. Operation Epic Fury continues,” a White House official told Reuters, referring to the US name for the operation against Iran.
In a post laden with expletives on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump threatened further strikes on Iranian energy and transport infrastructure if Iran failed to make a deal and reopen the Strait by Tuesday.
In an earlier report, Reuters had claimed that Iran and the United States have received a plan to end hostilities that could come into effect on Monday and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a source aware of the proposals said.
A framework to end hostilities has been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with Iran and the US 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.
