A new diplomatic effort is under way as regional countries push for a 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
According to Axios, the administration of Donald Trump is reviewing the proposal while continuing to prepare for the possibility of a broader military operation alongside Israel.
US and Israeli officials reportedly believe that decisions taken in the coming days will determine whether the crisis moves towards temporary de-escalation or develops into a much wider conflict.
Ceasefire proposal on the table
Two regional sources told Axios that Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan and other countries involved in mediation efforts have presented a proposal to both Washington and Tehran for a 10-day ceasefire.
The initiative is intended to bring a temporary halt to hostilities, restore safe maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and create the conditions necessary for renewed negotiations between the two sides.
At the same time, the US administration has reportedly urged Israel to avoid any actions that could undermine the diplomatic effort.
Military preparations continue
Despite the mediation efforts, the United States is continuing to prepare for the possibility that the proposal may fail.
According to Axios, Washington has significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying dozens of fighter jets and aerial refuelling aircraft.
Meanwhile, Israeli armed forces remain on heightened alert and are reportedly considering the possibility of expanding military operations.
Focus on the Strait of Hormuz
A key element of the proposal involves the full restoration of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz's two main shipping lanes, a route through which a substantial portion of global oil supplies passes.
During the proposed 10-day ceasefire, negotiations would begin on a permanent arrangement to guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels.
Among the ideas under discussion are the introduction of reasonable fees to fund security services and marine environmental protection measures.
Officials are also considering the creation of an international fund to be managed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Key mediators involved
According to the US outlet, those participating in the diplomatic effort include:
- Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
- Qatari envoy Ali Al-Thawadi
- Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty
- Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi
So far, neither Washington nor Tehran has formally accepted the proposal.
A senior US official told Axios that Trump remains committed to maintaining strong pressure on Iran and that military operations will continue unless a different political decision is made.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that proposals have reached Tehran through mediators, though he declined to provide details.
He stressed, however, that Iranian forces would continue responding to US attacks.
