US-Iran Reportedly Discussing 45-Day Ceasefire
The United States (US) and Iran, along with a group of regional mediators, are reportedly discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire, which could lead to a permanent end to the war.
The negotiations, as reported by Reuters on Monday (6/4/2026), were detailed by Axios media, citing statements from four sources including US, Israeli, and regional Middle East officials familiar with the diplomatic talks.
The White House and the US State Department have not yet provided a direct response.
In its report, the four sources cited by Axios mentioned that US-Iran negotiations are ongoing through mediators Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as via text messages exchanged between US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
A US official cited by Axios stated that the Trump administration has presented several proposals to Iran in recent days, but Iranian officials have not accepted them so far.
Axios’s report indicated that the mediators and the conflicting parties are discussing terms for a two-phase agreement. The sources cited by Axios stated that the first phase involves a potential 45-day ceasefire, during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated.
The second phase, according to the Axios report, is an agreement to end the war.
The Axios report added that the ceasefire could be extended if additional time is needed for negotiations.
According to those sources, the mediators believe that the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a solution for Iran’s highly enriched uranium—either by relocating it from the country or diluting it—can only be outcomes of a final agreement.
Those two issues, according to the Axios report, are Iran’s main bargaining chips in the negotiations, and Tehran will not agree to fully relinquish them merely for a 45-day ceasefire.
Trump told leading US media outlet, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), on Sunday (5/4) that he has set a deadline of Tuesday (7/4) night for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, or face attacks on critical infrastructure.
Axios’s report mentioned that the mediators want to see if Iran will take partial steps on both issues in the first phase of the agreement. The mediators are also seeking steps that the Trump administration can take to assure Iran that the ceasefire will not be temporary and that the war will not resume.
Tehran officials have made it clear to the mediators that they do not want to be trapped in a situation like Gaza or Lebanon, where there is a ceasefire on paper, but the US and Israel can resume attacks whenever they wish.