DNA

Islamabad, 20 Jul — A senior official revealed today that international mediators have proposed a 10‑day ceasefire aimed at reviving the stalled Iran–US interim deal. The development comes as tensions spiral, with the United States carrying out strikes on Iran for the ninth consecutive day and Tehran reporting that two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz had “exploded” under mysterious circumstances.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi declared that the country is now in a “full‑scale war” with the United States, underscoring the gravity of the confrontation. His statement followed remarks from Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, who earlier confirmed that diplomatic exchanges with Washington were still ongoing through third‑party mediators, despite the intensifying military clashes.

The proposed ceasefire is seen as a last‑ditch effort to halt the escalation and create space for renewed negotiations. Analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, has become a flashpoint in the conflict, with disruptions there threatening international oil markets. The explosions reported by Tehran add to fears of a broader regional fallout.

While Washington has not yet publicly responded to the ceasefire proposal, the continuation of strikes signals a hardening stance. Mediators, however, remain hopeful that both sides will seize the opportunity to de‑escalate and return to dialogue. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevail over confrontation in one of the world’s most volatile regions.