US-Iran Ceasefire Plan Under Review as Trump's Strait of Hormuz Deadline Looms
Both the United States and Iran have received a two-tier ceasefire proposal to end the six-week-old conflict, as President Donald Trump's ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8pm Eastern Time tonight reaches its deadline — with Tehran signalling it will not comply.
The Ceasefire Proposal
A two-stage peace plan, communicated via Pakistan — the sole diplomatic channel between the two sides — has been presented to both Washington and Tehran, requiring agreement by the end of today. The proposal envisages an initial ceasefire followed by a broader settlement. Iran has confirmed receipt of the plan but stated that the United States is not ready for a permanent ceasefire, and that Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary halt to hostilities.
The conflict, which began on 28 February 2026, has now entered its sixth week. Iranian forces have maintained effective control of the Strait of Hormuz for nearly four weeks, collecting tolls in Chinese yuan for oil passing through the waterway. The closure has caused severe disruption to global energy markets, with Brent crude more than 60% above pre-conflict levels.
Trump's Ultimatum
President Trump issued an ultimatum earlier this week demanding that Iran reopen the Strait by 8pm Eastern Time tonight, threatening what he described as "all Hell" and "power plant day and bridge day all wrapped up in one" if the deadline is not met. Iran's military officials have warned of "hell" for the US and Israel if infrastructure strikes continue, and Tehran has rejected demands to reopen the strait, stating it "will never return" to its former state.
On the ground, overnight airstrikes targeted the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran — a facility previously sanctioned for its involvement in Iran's ballistic missile programme. An intelligence chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Major General Seyyed Majid Khademi, was killed in US-Israeli strikes today. Iran has responded with ballistic missile launches at Israel, with emergency services responding to damage in Haifa and Petach Tikva.
The Human Cost
The conflict has exacted a devastating toll. Iran's Health Ministry has reported more than 2,000 killed and 26,500 injured. Over 7,000 people have been injured in Israel, with 130 remaining hospitalised. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli strikes since 2 March have killed at least 1,116 people, including 121 children. Fifteen US soldiers have been killed and more than 520 military personnel wounded.
UK and Irish Impact
The conflict is having a direct impact on the UK and Ireland. Fuel prices have surged to record levels, with diesel averaging 170 pence per litre in Northern Ireland and petrol reaching €2.08 per litre in the Republic. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has been leading diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait, hosting a meeting of representatives from over 40 nations, though no firm agreement has been reached.
What's Next
All eyes are on tonight's deadline. If Iran does not reopen the Strait, the US has threatened further military action. Diplomatic sources suggest back-channel talks are continuing, but the gap between the two sides remains wide. The coming hours could prove decisive for the trajectory of the conflict.
Live updates are available at Sky News and Al Jazeera.
