US, Iran and mediators make push for 45-day ceasefire, Axios reports - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMisgFBVV95cUxPLXdSNWp1SGppajdvZGVFQ3U3U2JfZTBocXFiLUFNdVEyUkVqXzh5ZUpIUjFaWTdvendlZ0RxZnFYMGZLbXFHU3h0RjRoNzlxUWg4QUZYNk5hd0RZLXhPRHZ5MVBXRjR6M2R0WDZvWmc1d2psNnFydXRrcmkzQ00zNm5xZW1fUjhhczBac2VWOFduUFRnQUdmdG9xR2Jtc2ZKUWtiX1pVN3pYUzR3UmtVV0pB?oc=5" target="_blank">US, Iran and mediators make push for 45-day ceasefire, Axios reports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Amid escalating tensions, the U.S., Iran, and regional mediators, including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, are engaged in urgent negotiations for a proposed 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent resolution to the ongoing war. The negotiations are seen as a last-ditch effort to prevent a significant escalation that could involve widespread destruction of Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries' critical energy and water facilities. Despite slim chances of reaching even a partial deal within 48 hours, sources emphasize the urgency driven by a looming deadline set by President Trump. Originally set to expire Monday evening, the deadline was extended by 20 hours to Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Trump has threatened severe strikes if no agreement is reached. Diplomatic communication has been facilitated through direct messages and intermediaries, with discussions centered on Iran’s uranium enrichment and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiators are particularly concerned about the broader regional impact of any retaliatory action by Iran.

The United States, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict, Axios reported on Sunday, citing four US, Israeli, and regional sources familiar with the talks. The mediators are discussing the terms of a two-phased deal, the report said, adding that the first phase would be a potential 45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated. The second phase would be an agreement on ending the war, the report said. The ceasefire could be extended if additional time was required for talks, the report said. US President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening.

The U.S., Iran, and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, Axios reported on Sunday, citing four U.S., Israeli, and regional sources with knowledge of the talks. The mediators are discussing the terms of a two-phased deal, the report said, adding that the first phase would be a potential 45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated. The second phase would be an agreement on ending the war, the report said. The ceasefire could be extended if additional time was required for talks, the report said. U.S. President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening.

The US, Iran, and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, Axios reported on Sunday, citing four US, Israeli, and regional sources with knowledge of the talks. The mediators are discussing the terms of a two-phased deal, the report said, adding that the first phase would be a potential 45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated. The second phase would be an agreement on ending the war, the report said. The ceasefire could be extended if additional time was required for talks, the report said. US President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening.

The United States and Iran are engaged in mediated talks for a 45-day ceasefire in West Asia, aiming for a permanent end to the conflict. Discussions involve a two-phase framework, with a temporary truce to facilitate broader negotiations. However, securing an agreement within the next 48 hours remains uncertain amid threats of escalation. The urgency around the talks has intensified following an extended deadline set by Donald Trump. The U.S. president, who had initially given Iran a 10-day window, pushed the cutoff to Tuesday evening, signaling what he described as ongoing “deep negotiations.” Speaking to Axios, Trump said there was “a good chance” of reaching a deal before the deadline, while also warning of sweeping military action if diplomacy fails. He reiterated threats targeting critical infrastructure in Iran, raising concerns among experts that such strikes could have severe humanitarian implications. According to the report, contingency plans for a large-scale U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign on Iran’s energy facilities are already in place. Sources indicated that the decision to extend the deadline was intended to give diplomacy one final opportunity before potential escalation. Iran, for its part, has warned that any attacks on civilian infrastructure would be met with retaliatory strikes on key facilities in Israel and Gulf countries, heightening fears of a broader regional fallout. Terms of a fragile two-phase proposal Behind the scenes, negotiations are being conducted through intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, along with indirect exchanges between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The proposed first phase centers on a 45-day ceasefire, which could be extended if negotiations require more time. The second phase would aim to formalize a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict. Key sticking points remain Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium—issues viewed as Tehran’s primary leverage. Mediators are exploring whether Iran could take limited, confidence-building steps on both fronts during the initial ceasefire period. At the same time, discussions are underway on what assurances Washington could provide to convince Tehran that any ceasefire would not collapse into renewed hostilities. Iranian officials have reportedly expressed concerns about entering an arrangement that could resemble past ceasefires in Gaza or Lebanon, where fighting resumed despite formal agreements. U.S. officials have put forward several proposals in recent days, though none have been accepted so far, according to the report. The White House has declined to comment on the negotiations. Mediators are said to be increasingly alarmed by the potential consequences of a breakdown in talks. They have warned that any Iranian retaliation following strikes on its energy infrastructure could have damaging effects on oil and water facilities across Gulf states. Despite the diplomatic push, public statements from Tehran suggest a firm stance. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have indicated that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz would not revert to pre-war norms, particularly for the U.S. and Israel.