Amid the ongoing hostilities, which seem to be at a point of no return, the US and Iran are discussing a 45-day ceasefire through mediators, which could open the way to holding mediations for ending the war.
As per US and Israeli officials, the chances for reaching any kind of a deal within the next 48 hrs. is very slim. Nonetheless, this last-minute effort by Washington and Tehran appears to be the only chance to prevent any further escalations, as President Donald Trump had warned that the next wave of attacks would include massive strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and a retaliation wave against energy and water facilities by Iran on Gulf states.
Extending his initial 10-day deadline to Tuesday, Trump said the US was engaged in “deep negotiations” with Iran, but warned of full-blown escalation if no deal is reached.
“There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there,” he told Axios. Trump has threatened to destroy vital Iranian civilian infrastructure if he is unable to reach a deal with the regime; a move that could be considered a war crime.
As per Israeli and US sources, the operational plan for holding a joint bombing run of Iran’s energy infrastructure is already ready to go.
Iran has likewise threatened to retaliate with increased force, warning that it will commence attacks against infrastructure in Israel and the Gulf states.
The talks are reportedly being conducted through intermediaries including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, alongside indirect exchanges between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, rather than any direct contact. Multiple proposals have been put forward in recent days, though no agreement has yet been reached.
The framework under discussion is structured according to a two-phase agreement. The first would involve a temporary ceasefire lasting 45 days, designed to halt hostilities and facilitate broader negotiations. This initial pause could be extended if progress is made. The second phase would aim to produce a comprehensive agreement to put a permanent end to hostilities.
Working on confidence-building measures, the mediators said that the only plausible solution for reaching a final deal would be completely reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and handling Iran’s vast stockpile of highly enriched uranium, either through its dilution or removal; conditions Tehran is highly unlikely to agree to.
