US, Iran, and Regional Mediators Discuss 45-Day Ceasefire Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The US, Iran, and regional mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye are negotiating a two-phase plan for a 45-day ceasefire leading to a permanent end to the war. While chances of a deal in the next 48 hours are slim, mediators warn this is the last opportunity to prevent massive strikes on Iranian infrastructure and Gulf facilities. Iran insists on a meaningful agreement, and the IRGC navy maintains a hard line on the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States, Iran, and a group of regional mediators have been discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the war, according to Axios. While the report notes that the chances of reaching a partial deal within the next 48 hours are slim, this effort remains the only viable option to prevent a major escalation, including massive strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliatory attacks on energy and water facilities across the Gulf states.
Earlier, President Trump extended his deadline by 20 hours, setting a new cutoff for Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST. Speaking to Axios, Trump said the US is "in deep negotiations" and that a deal could be reached. He added, "There is a good chance, but if they don't make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there."
The negotiations reportedly involved Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators, as well as direct messages exchanged between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The proposed two-phase plan includes an initial 45-day ceasefire followed by a permanent resolution to the conflict. Mediators have emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s highly enriched uranium can only be achieved through a final deal.
Iranian officials have made clear they do not want a ceasefire that exists only on paper, referencing concerns about situations similar to Gaza or Lebanon. Meanwhile, the IRGC navy has maintained a firm stance, asserting that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz "will never return" to what they were before the conflict. Mediators have warned Iran that there is no time for further tactics, emphasizing that the next 48 hours represent the final opportunity to prevent large-scale destruction.