Iran has reportedly proposed a 10-day ceasefire to the United States amid ongoing airstrikes. However, the U.S. insists that a minimum agreement ensuring the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz must precede any ceasefire, indicating that negotiations may face challenges.
The Jerusalem Post reported on July 21, citing two sources familiar with the negotiations, that the 10-day ceasefire proposal conveyed to the U.S. by mediating countries originated from Iran.
High-ranking officials from Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Pakistan are reportedly shuttling between the U.S. and Iran to negotiate additional conditions based on Iran's proposal.
Earlier, Reuters quoted a senior Iranian official stating that Iran is reviewing a 10-day ceasefire proposal received from the mediators. According to the Jerusalem Post, this indicates that the mediators did not independently create the proposal; rather, Iran initiated the ceasefire idea, which was then communicated to the U.S.
The ceasefire proposal reportedly calls for both sides to halt attacks for 10 days while discussing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during that period.
The mediators have also suggested an 'intermediate route' that would allow commercial vessels to safely transit between the waters of Oman and Iran. This plan aims to avoid clashes between the U.S. and Iran over control of the strait.
However, the U.S. believes that a 10-day ceasefire alone is insufficient. According to the Jerusalem Post, the U.S. is demanding a longer ceasefire and insists that a minimum agreement on ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be reached before the ceasefire takes effect.
While specific passage conditions can be negotiated during the ceasefire, the U.S. emphasizes the need to establish basic principles that guarantee the safe operation of vessels. The U.S. has long demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels and ensure free and safe passage without additional tolls.
Within the Trump administration, there is a strong sentiment against accepting Iran's proposed conditions outright. A U.S. government official stated that President Donald Trump is focused on holding Iran accountable for its violations of agreements and the recent deaths of U.S. troops, suggesting that military operations may continue for the time being.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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