Investing.com– The U.S., Iran, and regional mediators are discussing terms for a possible 45-day ceasefire that could open a path toward ending the war, Axios reported on Sunday, citing four U.S., Israeli, and regional sources familiar with the talks.
According to the Axios report, Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators are involved in the latest diplomatic push, while messages are also being exchanged between U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
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Axios said the proposal under discussion would involve a first phase of a 45-day ceasefire, during which negotiators would seek a broader agreement to permanently end hostilities. The ceasefire could be extended if more time is needed for talks.
The report said chances of reaching even a partial agreement within the next 48 hours remain slim, but mediators view the effort as the last realistic opportunity to avoid a major escalation that could include strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliation against Gulf energy and water facilities.
President Donald Trump on Sunday extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and told Axios that Washington was “in deep negotiations” with Tehran.
“There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there,” Trump told Axios, according to the report.
Axios added that mediators are also exploring limited Iranian confidence-building measures on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and on highly enriched uranium stockpiles, while Washington considers guarantees aimed at assuring Tehran that any ceasefire would not collapse quickly.
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