Pakistan Emerges as Key Mediator in Push to End Hormuz Crisis

The United States and Iran have both received a ceasefire proposal through Pakistan that could facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters sources familiar with the negotiations. The plan, if implemented, could take effect imminently and restore passage through the world’s most critical oil and liquefied natural gas chokepoint.

Under the provisional agreement, referred to as the Islamabad Accord, an immediate ceasefire would be established whilst allowing negotiations to continue for an additional 15 to 20 days towards a comprehensive final settlement. Separate reports from US, Israeli and regional sources indicated that discussions concerning a potential 45-day ceasefire were ongoing amongst the United States, Iran and regional mediators.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has reportedly maintained continuous contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, US Vice President JD Vance and special US envoy Steve Witkoff throughout the negotiation process.

The diplomatic efforts emerged shortly after President Donald Trump issued renewed threats against Iran via Truth Social, demanding immediate access through the Strait of Hormuz. In his Easter Sunday posting, Trump warned of strikes against Iranian power infrastructure and bridges, stating that Tuesday would be “Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran” unless the strait was reopened.

Iran swiftly dismissed the ultimatum and issued counter-threats. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, a senior Iranian military officer, responded by warning that “the gates of hell will open for you”. Official Iranian social media accounts adopted a mocking tone, with the Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe posting “We’ve lost the keys” in response to demands for reopening the waterway.

Analysts caution that even an immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would require months to restore normal flows of crude oil, petroleum products, LNG, ammonia, sulphur, helium and other commodities essential to global supply chains. The strait’s closure, which occurred on 28 February, has disrupted critical energy infrastructure serving international markets.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic channels work to prevent further escalation whilst addressing the logistical challenges inherent in reopening one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime passages.