Iran is said to have secretly proposed a 10-day ceasefire with the United States through intermediary parties, as the risk of escalating conflict looms large. On July 21, two sources familiar with the negotiations informed the Jerusalem Post that Iran was the initiator of this ceasefire proposal, which is currently being promoted by intermediary nations.

This proposal underscores the urgency that Tehran feels in seeking a ceasefire, particularly as U.S. military actions against Iran have been intensifying. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a return to a comprehensive military campaign against Iran.

The suggested 10-day ceasefire aims to facilitate discussions regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical area that has been at the center of the recent crisis following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last month, which both Tehran and Washington have since declared as effectively null.

Intermediary parties, including high-ranking officials from Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Pakistan, have presented this proposal to the U.S. and included additional elements in discussions with both Washington and Tehran. One of the ideas proposed is the establishment of a corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing commercial vessels to transit safely between waters controlled by Oman and those controlled by Iran.

According to the sources, the U.S. is currently seeking a ceasefire that lasts longer than the proposed 10 days. They added that Washington is emphasizing the need to achieve at least some mutual understanding regarding maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz before any ceasefire can take effect, with further details to be finalized during the suggested pause.

However, at least some officials within the Trump administration have described Iran's proposal as "absurd" and "illogical." One U.S. official stated that Trump is focused on ensuring Iran "pays a price" for violations of the MOU and for the loss of American soldiers. "The president will also ensure that Iran is held accountable for the recent deaths of U.S. soldiers. These attacks will continue until the president decides otherwise, but negotiations between our nations are ongoing," the official noted.

Earlier this week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that at least 17 American service members have died in the ongoing conflict with Iran, with over 430 others injured since hostilities began.