Draft Ceasefire Framework Emerges as Trump Weighs Strike Decision

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have reportedly expanded from narrow nuclear discussions into a broader regional security framework. According to reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), both sides are expected to finalize a draft proposal by May 24 aimed at ending hostilities across multiple fronts. Iran's latest demands include the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the primary conflict zones and the recognition of Tehran’s role in overseeing the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani officials, specifically Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, are functioning as key mediators in facilitating these high-level talks. Despite the move toward a diplomatic resolution, military tensions remain critical. President Donald Trump has publicly stated he will decide by May 24 whether to resume military strikes against Iran, placing the diplomatic efforts within a narrow decision window. While the proposed draft addresses regional stability—including the conflict in Lebanon—reports suggest that little progress has been made regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment program, as Tehran seeks to prioritize security and sanctions relief. In the maritime sector, Iran is attempting to institutionalize its control over the Strait of Hormuz rather than simply threatening its closure. The IRGC Navy reported that 25 vessels transited the strait under its coordination in the last 24 hours. Iranian officials are currently pushing for a framework with Oman to manage the waterway, asserting that U.S. involvement is unnecessary and that operational mechanisms should not return to pre-war standards while a U.S. naval blockade persists.