Ceasefire in the Gulf: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Offramp

Pakistan has proposed a two-phased plan to pause the fighting and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Although Iran initially rejected temporary measures, its Supreme National Security Council later accepted a two-week ceasefire and said talks will begin in Islamabad. The pause is meant to give diplomats time to negotiate a larger settlement, and Iran said safe passage would be coordinated with its armed forces.

President Trump had set a firm deadline for Iran to agree to reopen the waterway, and he then agreed to delay strikes after Pakistani leaders urged more time. Oil markets have reacted strongly: prices fell sharply on the news while traders sought clarity about ship movements. Therefore, shippers and governments will watch whether Tehran provides clear assurances that passage is safe. Some reports called the outline the Islamabad Accord and said it could cover sanctions relief and limits on missiles. Negotiators said the two-week pause could allow final details to be agreed electronically before in-person talks are held.