Mediators propose 10-day ceasefire to revive Iran-US talks

Mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States in a bid to revive a stalled interim agreement and halt a dangerous military escalation, according to a senior Iranian official on July 20, 2026. The proposal, put forward by Pakistan and Qatar, seeks to de-escalate tensions that have spiraled into a ninth consecutive day of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets and reports of explosions involving oil tankers in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The diplomatic initiative comes amid a sharp rise in hostilities. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi declared the country is now in a "full-scale war" with the United States. The U.S. military has conducted nine waves of strikes, while Tehran reported two oil tankers exploded under mysterious circumstances in the vital global energy chokepoint. The proposed truce would require both sides to return to their positions prior to July 9, creating a window for renewed negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Tehran has received proposals from mediators and is reviewing them, though he declined to discuss specifics. He stated that Iran remains committed to diplomatic channels alongside...