Peace proposal is being discussed between the US and Iran

TT

Published 17.03

           

          Pakistan has been a driving force in developing the new ceasefire proposal, according to Reuters.               The picture shows the country's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, left, and its military               chief, General Asim Munir, during a visit to the White House in September last year. Photo: Alex               Brandon/AP/TT

The US has taken note of a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in the war in the Middle East.

"This is one of many ideas," a White House spokesman told AFP, but stressed that President Donald Trump has not signed anything.

Iran says it rejects a ceasefire in response to “an American” proposal but stresses “the need for a permanent end to the war while respecting Iran’s views,” the state news agency Irna reported.

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey were involved in the negotiations on the new proposal, sources told Reuters and the news website Axios.

It is reported to include two phases: a temporary ceasefire followed by a more detailed peace agreement.

Donald Trump has threatened to escalate attacks on Iran if the country does not open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening.