Mediators propose 10-day ceasefire between Iran and U.S., Reuters reports

Mediators have presented Iran with a proposal aimed at reducing tensions in its conflict with the United States, calling for a 10-day ceasefire to create an opportunity to restore the interim agreement reached last month, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Reuters said it was not immediately clear whether Tehran had accepted the proposal. 

The 14-point interim agreement reached between the United States and Iran in June envisaged a cessation of hostilities, the resumption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiations lasting up to 60 days on a final agreement. 

However, the arrangement ran into difficulties due to differing interpretations of its provisions, the revocation of waivers for Iranian oil exports and disagreements over Iran’s frozen assets. Indirect U.S.-Iran technical talks held in Doha on July 1 focused on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of Iranian assets, but failed to produce significant progress towards a lasting peace. 

On July 10, U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire agreed in June had come to an end, although Washington had agreed to continue negotiations. Hostilities subsequently resumed, and by July 20 the United States had carried out strikes on Iranian territory for a ninth consecutive day.