The United States, Iran, and a group of regional mediators are discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the war, according to four U.S., Israeli, and regional sources familiar with the talks told Axios.
اضافة اعلان
While sources indicated that the chances of reaching a partial agreement within the next 48 hours are "slim," this final push is seen as the only opportunity to prevent a major escalation. Such an escalation could involve sweeping strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliatory attacks targeting energy and water facilities in Gulf states.
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump extended the deadline given to Iran to reach an agreement, setting a new cutoff for Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET, pushing back the original Monday night deadline. Trump told Axios on Sunday that the U.S. is "engaged in deep negotiations" with Iran and that a deal could be reached before Tuesday’s deadline, adding: "There’s a good chance, but if they don't make a deal, I’m going to destroy everything there." Trump has previously threatened to dismantle vital Iranian civilian infrastructure if no agreement is reached.
In response, Tehran warned that any such attack would be met with strikes targeting infrastructure in Israel and the Gulf, amid concerns that such actions could amount to war crimes. Two sources noted that the operational plan for a massive U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iranian energy facilities is "ready to go," but emphasized that the deadline extension aims to provide a final window for diplomacy.
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly being conducted through mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, alongside an exchange of text messages between Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A U.S. official stated that while the Trump administration has presented several proposals in recent days, Iranian officials have yet to accept them.
According to sources, a two-phase agreement is under consideration:
Phase One: A 45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war is negotiated, with the possibility of extension if required.
Phase Two: Reaching a final settlement to conclude the conflict.
Mediators believe that the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the status of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile—whether via removal from the country or down-blending—can only be resolved within a final agreement. Mediation efforts are currently focused on drafting confidence-building measures, including partial Iranian steps regarding the Strait and uranium enrichment, in exchange for U.S. guarantees against resuming military operations after the ceasefire.
Iranian officials have reportedly told mediators they refuse to accept arrangements similar to previous experiences in Gaza or Lebanon, where ceasefires were reached without guarantees preventing the resumption of attacks. Conversely, mediators are working to shape additional U.S. measures to address some of Iran's demands and enhance the chances of a stable truce.
The White House declined to comment on the negotiations. Meanwhile, mediators warned that any Iranian retaliation to potential strikes could cause significant damage to oil and water infrastructure in Gulf countries, exacerbating regional and international consequences. They emphasized to Iranian officials that the next 48 hours represent the "last chance" for a deal, stressing there is no time left for further maneuvering.
Publicly, Tehran maintains a hardline stance, refusing concessions. The Revolutionary Guard Navy announced that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz "will not return to how they were before the war," particularly for the United States and Israel.
