DUBAI/WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran are weighing a proposed peace framework aimed at ending their five-week conflict, as a deadline set by Donald Trump draws near, with Tehran rejecting any immediate move to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Trump warned that he would unleash “hell” on Iran if no agreement is reached by Tuesday evening (U.S. time), demanding the resumption of maritime traffic through the key global energy corridor.
A Pakistan-brokered proposal, developed through intensive overnight contacts, outlines an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations toward a broader settlement within 15 to 20 days, according to a source familiar with the talks. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, reportedly coordinated discussions involving U.S. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
However, a senior Iranian official said Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary ceasefire and would not accept externally imposed deadlines while it reviews the proposal. The official also questioned Washington’s readiness for a permanent ceasefire.
Separate reports indicate that U.S., Iranian, and regional mediators are also considering a 45-day ceasefire under a two-phase agreement that could eventually end the war.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated threats of expanded strikes targeting Iran’s energy and transport infrastructure if Tehran fails to comply. The ultimatum set a precise deadline of Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Regional leaders stressed that any agreement must ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Anwar Gargash warned that a deal failing to address Iran’s nuclear program, as well as its missile and drone capabilities, could lead to a “more dangerous, more volatile Middle East.”
Meanwhile, hostilities intensified across the region. Fresh aerial strikes were reported Monday, more than five weeks since U.S. and Israeli forces began sustained attacks on Iran, resulting in thousands of casualties and economic disruptions driven by rising oil prices.
Iranian state media reported the death of intelligence chief Majid Khademi, with Israel claiming responsibility. The conflict has also seen targeted killings of senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has reportedly been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba.
Infrastructure damage continues to mount. A joint U.S.-Israeli strike reportedly hit a data center at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, affecting the country’s artificial intelligence systems and other services.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed further escalation, threatening to dismantle Iran’s infrastructure and pursue its leadership “one by one.” Trump has also indicated the possibility of targeting civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.
Legal experts warn such actions could constitute war crimes, though jurisdictional limits prevent the International Criminal Court from intervening, as the countries involved are not members. Under the Geneva Conventions, attacks on civilian objects are prohibited.
On the ground, casualties continue to rise. Israeli rescue teams recovered two bodies from a residential building in Haifa struck by an Iranian missile. Iran has also demonstrated its retaliatory capabilities through strikes on petrochemical facilities and an اسرائیli-linked vessel across Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Since the conflict erupted on Feb. 28, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass, while launching attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf energy infrastructure.
According to U.S.-based rights group HRANA, at least 3,540 people have been killed in Iran, including 244 children. In Lebanon, where fighting has spread through clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah, authorities report 1,461 deaths, including at least 124 children. The United States has confirmed 13 service members killed and hundreds wounded.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire continue amid escalating violence, with global attention focused on whether diplomatic channels can avert further regional destabilization.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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