Iran and the US Discuss Potential 45-Day Ceasefire Through Intermediaries - Axios

According to a report from Axios, citing four sources from the US, Israel, and the region, Iran and the United States are negotiating through intermediaries about the possibility of a 45-day ceasefire. This information has been confirmed by Ukrinform, which notes that the chances of reaching a partial agreement within the next 48 hours are quite slim. However, this attempt could represent the only opportunity to prevent further escalation of the war, as US President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure if Tehran does not restore operations in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran has vowed to strike energy and water supply facilities in Gulf states.

On Sunday, Trump informed Axios that the US is engaged in 'intensive negotiations' with Iran. Four sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts indicated that the talks are being mediated by Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as through text messages between Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. One American official stated that the Trump administration has recently presented several proposals to Iran, but so far, Iranian officials have not accepted them.

Sources also indicated that the intermediaries are discussing the terms of a two-phase agreement. The first phase involves a potential 45-day ceasefire during which negotiations for a final cessation of hostilities would take place. According to one source, the ceasefire could be extended if more time is needed for negotiations. The second phase involves reaching an agreement to end the war.

The intermediaries believe that a complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and resolving the issue of Iran's enriched uranium can only be achieved within the framework of a final agreement. These two issues are key bargaining chips for Iran in the negotiations, and Tehran is unlikely to agree to fully abandon them merely for a temporary ceasefire, two sources noted.

Furthermore, the intermediaries are working on measures that the Trump administration could take to provide Iran with assurances that the ceasefire will not be temporary and that the war will not resume. Iranian officials have made it clear to the intermediaries that they do not want to find themselves in a situation similar to that in Gaza or Lebanon, where a ceasefire exists on paper but the US and Israel can attack again at will.

A source familiar with the situation reported that the intermediaries are very concerned that Iran's response to US and Israeli strikes on the country's energy infrastructure could deliver a devastating blow to the oil and water facilities of Gulf states.

As reported by Ukrinform, US President Donald Trump has once again threatened Iran over the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and has set a 'deadline' for its reopening.

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