To defuse tensions between the US and Iran, regional mediators have put forward a new ceasefire plan. Mediators including Qatar, Egypt and Pakistan conveyed a proposal to both sides for a 10-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials stated that the Trump administration is evaluating the proposal and has warned Israel to avoid steps that could eliminate the chance of a diplomatic solution. However, Washington has deployed dozens of fighter jets and refueling aircraft to the Middle East in case the negotiations fail.
Israeli sources, meanwhile, said the army is on high alert and preparing for a war that could escalate into a large-scale military operation within days.
Ceasefire terms
The mediators' proposal is based on two key conditions: a halt to the fighting and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global maritime traffic. The plan envisions freeing the southern transit route of the strait from Iranian attacks and the northern route from the US naval blockade.
A regional source said the initiative is based on a similar proposal discussed on July 11 in Muscat, the capital of Oman. At that meeting, the US demanded that Iran publicly commit to keeping the strait open, but no agreement was reached. Shortly after Iran attacked commercial vessels in the strait, US bombardment resumed.
Military preparation and threat of retaliation
The mediation effort came on the tenth night of US airstrikes against Iran and after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan and Iraq. President Trump announced that he has instructed that Iran pay a heavy price for every US soldier killed.
A senior US official stated that negotiations are continuing but Trump has not yet concluded the retaliation process. The official said, "The president will make Iran pay for the American soldiers killed recently. These devastating attacks will continue until the president decides otherwise."
A regional source, however, indicated that the White House might seriously consider the ceasefire proposal after bombing Iran for a few more days under the pretext of avenging the US soldiers killed in the region.
Two models for the Strait of Hormuz
During the planned ceasefire period, the US and Iran are expected to negotiate a permanent arrangement to regulate maritime traffic in the strait. Two options are on the table.
The first option allows Iran to collect a "reasonable service fee" from ships in return for services such as maritime security and environmental protection. It is noted that Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore apply a similar model in the Malacca Strait. The second proposal is to deposit the collected fees into a joint fund managed with the participation of the International Maritime Organization.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bekayi confirmed that the mediators are working to avoid escalation.
