The United States and Iran are exploring the possibility of a 45-day ceasefire through regional intermediaries, Axios reported on Monday, citing multiple US, Israeli and regional sources familiar with the talks.
Negotiations are being facilitated by mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, along with direct communication via text messages between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to the report, discussions are centred on a two-stage agreement.
The first phase would see a 45-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to negotiate a lasting end to the conflict. One source noted that this phase could be extended if additional time is required.
Sources quoted in the report said mediators believe a comprehensive agreement is essential to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resolve concerns over Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
Efforts are ongoing to identify limited steps Iran could take to build trust, particularly regarding the waterway and its nuclear programme. However, sources indicated that Tehran is unlikely to fully concede on these issues in exchange for a temporary truce.
At the same time, mediators are working on potential measures the US could offer to address some of Iran’s demands.
Iranian representatives have stressed they want to avoid a scenario similar to Gaza or Lebanon, where ceasefires exist in name but are repeatedly violated by renewed strikes.
Mediators have urged Tehran to act swiftly, warning that the next 48 hours may represent the final window to secure an agreement.
While officials say the prospects of a deal remain low, they also view it as the last opportunity to prevent a significant escalation in the conflict.
