After weeks of escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, a breakthrough has emerged: Iran has formally accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by Pakistan, paving the way for a two-week halt in hostilities and scheduled negotiations to finalize a long-term regional security arrangement. The agreement, which includes commitments from all three parties—Iran, the U.S., and Israel—marks a critical pause in the conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s 10-point negotiation plan taking center stage as key pillars of the fragile peace process.
The Ceasefire Framework: Mutual Commitments to Halt Hostilities
The ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, is structured as a two-way agreement, with each party committing to specific concessions in exchange for a pause in attacks. Announced in the early hours of April 8 (local time) by Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, Iran’s commitment is clear: if the U.S. and Israel cease their attacks, the Iranian Armed Forces will halt all counterattacks and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the two-week period—subject to coordination with Iran’s military and technical feasibility.
This commitment addresses a key concern of the U.S. and its allies: unimpeded access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. Iran has already signaled its intent to establish a structured transit protocol for the strait, with plans to coordinate with regional partners to ensure safety while upholding its dominant position in the waterway.
Trump’s Compromise: A Two-Week Suspension of Military Strikes
On April 7 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced his approval of a two-week suspension of military strikes against Iran, following phone calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. Trump framed the arrangement as a “two-way ceasefire,” contingent on Iran’s commitment to fully, immediately, and safely open the Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media statement, Trump emphasized that the U.S. has “achieved and surpassed all predefined military objectives” and noted significant progress toward a long-term peace agreement with Iran. He confirmed that the U.S. has received Iran’s 10-point proposal and views it as a viable basis for negotiations, adding that the two sides have reached consensus on nearly all previously contested points.
Notably, the White House later clarified that Iran initially presented two 10-point plans—one deemed “unserious and unacceptable” and discarded, while the second was considered “workable” and formed the basis for the ceasefire and negotiations. Trump reaffirmed that his administration’s red lines, including limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities, remain unchanged.
Israel Joins the Ceasefire
A senior White House official revealed on April 7 that Israel has agreed to join the two-week ceasefire, aligning with Trump’s announcement. While Israel has not yet issued an official response to the ceasefire as of press time, the commitment marks a critical step toward de-escalation, as Israeli attacks on Iran had been a major driver of tensions in recent weeks. Reports later indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the ceasefire, noting that Israel had achieved all its objectives in the conflict and would respond strongly to any violations.
Iran’s 10-Point Negotiation Plan: Core Demands for Long-Term Peace
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Iran has submitted a 10-point negotiation plan to the U.S. via Pakistan—a proposal that outlines its core demands for a long-term regional security arrangement. Unveiled in a statement by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on April 8, the plan reflects Iran’s efforts to consolidate what it calls a “historic and complete defeat” of its enemies and establish a new political and security order in the region.
The core principles of Iran’s 10-point plan include:
Regulate passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian Armed Forces, ensuring Iran’s dominant position in the waterway.
End all wars against members of the “Axis of Resistance” and terminate Israeli aggression.
Withdraw all U.S. combat forces from all bases and deployments in the region.
Establish a formal safe transit protocol for the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran playing a leading role in its oversight.
Provide full compensation for Iran’s losses, based on official assessments of damages incurred during the conflict.
Lift all primary and secondary sanctions against Iran, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions targeting the country.
Unfreeze and release all Iranian assets and funds held abroad, which have been blocked by international sanctions.
A key stipulation of the plan is that all measures must be approved in a binding UN Security Council resolution, ensuring their enforceability under international law. Iran has emphasized that the agreement, if finalized, will represent a major diplomatic victory for the Iranian nation.
The Road Ahead: Negotiations in Islamabad and Risks of Collapse
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on April 10, with Iran allocating a two-week window for talks—extendable by mutual consent. The Supreme National Security Council has emphasized that the process will be overseen by Iran’s supreme leadership and called on the Iranian people to support the negotiations and avoid divisive rhetoric.
However, the ceasefire and upcoming talks are not without risks. Iran has issued a clear warning that it remains ready for combat should negotiations fail, underscoring the fragility of the current peace. Additionally, while the U.S. and Iran have reached consensus on most contested points, lingering disagreements—particularly over Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. troop withdrawal—could derail progress.
The role of Pakistan as a mediator will also be critical in bridging remaining gaps. Pakistan’s successful diplomacy in brokering the ceasefire has been praised by regional and international actors, including Norway, which has expressed full support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and stability in the Middle East.
Conclusion: A Fragile Opportunity for Regional Stability
Iran’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal marks a rare opportunity to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and lay the groundwork for a long-term peace agreement. The two-week halt in hostilities provides a critical window for negotiations, with Iran’s 10-point plan and the future of the Strait of Hormuz at the heart of the discussions.
While challenges remain—including unaddressed disagreements and the risk of ceasefire violations—the commitment of Iran, the U.S., and Israel to the process offers a glimmer of hope. As talks begin in Islamabad on April 10, the world will watch closely to see if the parties can turn this temporary ceasefire into a lasting resolution that brings stability to the region and ensures the safe flow of global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
