U.S., Iran and mediators make push for 45-day ceasefire, Axios reports

Lead

The United States and Iran are engaged in discussions over a potential 45-day ceasefire, mediated by regional actors, according to an Axios report cited by multiple outlets. The negotiations, which involve a two-phase proposal, come as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and regional conflicts continue to escalate.

Axios, citing four U.S., Israeli, and regional sources with knowledge of the talks, reported that the mediators are exploring a two-phased deal. The first phase would consist of a 45-day ceasefire, during which negotiators would work toward a permanent end to the war. The second phase would involve a broader agreement to conclude hostilities, with the possibility of extending the ceasefire if additional time is needed, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu.

The initial reporting was published on Sunday and Monday, with The Hindu noting that Reuters could not immediately verify the report and that the White House and State Department had not responded to requests for comment.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post, which attributed its information to Axios, emphasized the involvement of specific mediators: Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish officials, as well as direct text-message exchanges between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Post also highlighted that mediators believe only a final deal would lead to a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and resolve the issue of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile.

The Hindu's coverage, also based on the Axios report, focused on the broader context of the negotiations, including U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The Hindu noted that Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday that his deadline for Iran to comply or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening.

The Hindu also reported separately on Iran's rejection of a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire. An unnamed source told Iran's semi-official Fars news agency on Friday that Tehran had turned down the offer, which was reportedly made on Wednesday through another unnamed country. There was no immediate U.S. confirmation, according to The Hindu.

Key Claims

• The U.S. and Iran are discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire through a group of regional mediators, as reported by Axios and cited by the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu.
• Talks are taking place through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators, as well as via text messages between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, per Axios reporting as cited by the Jerusalem Post.
• The mediators are discussing a two-phase deal, with the first phase involving a 45-day ceasefire and negotiations for a permanent end to the war, and the second phase being an agreement on ending the war, according to Axios as cited by The Hindu.
• U.S. President Donald Trump has set a Tuesday evening deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure, as he told the Wall Street Journal, reported by The Hindu.
• Iran rejected a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to an unnamed source cited by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, as reported by The Hindu. This claim has not been independently verified.
• U.S. forces retrieved a crew member from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet in Iran, and search and rescue operations were ongoing for a second crew member, according to CNN as reported by The Hindu.
• Negotiators from Iran and the U.S. were preparing for high-level talks in Islamabad, with Iran demanding that the U.S. halt Israeli attacks in Lebanon, as reported by The Hindu.
• U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance was planned to take part in the high-level talks in Islamabad, according to The Hindu.

Perspectives

While the details of the proposed ceasefire are drawn from Axios's reporting, the varying coverage reflects different editorial priorities. The Jerusalem Post provides granular detail on the mediation structure and strategic considerations, consistent with its focus on security and diplomatic affairs. The Hindu's coverage, while also citing Axios, places greater emphasis on the Trump administration's threats and the precarious state of the ceasefire, as seen in its reporting on the rejected 48-hour proposal and the ongoing military operations.

It is important to note that the reports rely on anonymous sources, and some claims—such as Iran's rejection of the shorter ceasefire—are based on a single source and have not been independently verified. The situation remains fluid, with high-level talks in Islamabad planned as of Friday, though Iran had not yet confirmed its delegation, according to The Hindu.