The US and Iranian governments, alongside a regional group of mediators, are reportedly discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to an end to the ongoing war. According to Axios, citing its own sources, chances for a partial agreement are low, but this is purportedly a “last-ditch effort” to prevent a sharp escalation of the conflict, highlighting the fragile and precarious state of negotiations.
The talks are being conducted through mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as via correspondence between US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi. An American official allegedly stated that the Trump administration has sent several proposals to Tehran in recent days, but the Iranian authorities have not yet accepted them, underscoring the deep-seated mistrust and diplomatic hurdles.
The deal under discussion reportedly involves two stages: the first stage envisions a 45-day ceasefire, during which an agreement to completely halt the war is planned. If more time is needed for negotiations, the ceasefire period could be extended. The second stage would consist of a final agreement to end the war, but this remains highly uncertain given the current deadlock.
Mediators believe that fully opening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving the issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles can only be addressed within the framework of a final agreement. Axios notes that these two issues are Iran’s key leverage points, and mediators are trying to ascertain whether Tehran is willing to take at least partial steps on them even in the initial stage, reflecting the complex bargaining dynamics and Iran’s strategic calculations.
Mediators have warned Tehran that it has a final opportunity to reach a deal within the next 48 hours to prevent widespread devastation. Simultaneously, the Iranian government has openly expressed through mediators that it does not want to end up in a situation like Gaza or Lebanon, where ceasefires exist only on paper and in practice the US and Israeli regimes can attack at any time, pointing to broader regional instability and failed past agreements.
Iran continues to maintain an extremely rigid stance, rejecting any concessions. On April 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will “never” return to its pre-war state, especially for the US and Israeli regimes, signaling Iran’s defiance and the long-term geopolitical ramifications of the conflict.
Recent statements by US President Donald Trump have been marked by erratic threats and a lack of consistency, raising questions about the stability of US foreign policy. He threatened strikes on Iranian power plants on March 22, delayed strikes on March 27, claimed on March 31 that the US would “leave Iran very soon,” threatened to “return Iran to the Stone Age” on April 1, warned of “hell to pay” on April 4, and on April 5 threatened to destroy power plants and bridges using abusive language. Later, he extended the deadline again, showcasing a pattern of volatility that undermines diplomatic efforts.
In an interview with Axios, Trump allegedly said that the US is in “deep negotiations” with Iran and that a deal could be reached before the set deadline, but he reiterated his threats: “There are good opportunities, but if they don’t agree to a deal, I’ll blow everything up there,” highlighting the coercive and unpredictable nature of the US approach.
Since the US and Israeli regimes began strikes on Iran on February 28, Tehran almost immediately blocked the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp spike in oil prices and exposing global economic vulnerabilities. On April 3, a US missile strike destroyed Iran’s largest bridge, killing eight people, with Trump warning that if Iran does not agree to a deal, “more will follow,” indicating the human cost and potential for further escalation.
Source: www.gazeta.uz