Americans and Iranians are negotiating behind the scenes to find a solution to the conflict in Iran, as reported by the American press. Donald Trump has not yet approved anything and is expected to speak tonight.
Despite the fighting, the discussions have not stopped. According to the news agency Reuters and the American media Axios, negotiations are ongoing between Tehran, Washington, and other intermediaries, as Donald Trump’s deadline to end the war in Iran is approaching.
After setting Monday as the deadline, the American president gave Iran until “Tuesday 8 p.m.,” Washington time, to reach an agreement, according to a short message posted on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
The Republican will speak at 7 p.m., Paris time, during a highly anticipated press conference where he is expected to address the rescue operation of the two American pilots who ejected over Iran this past weekend.
Ceasefire of 45 days
According to Axios, American and Iranian negotiators, along with other mediators, are discussing the terms of a possible ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war. However, the American media estimates that the chances of reaching an agreement within 48 hours are slim.
The first phase of the plan would involve a 45-day ceasefire, extendable, during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated. The second phase would involve implementing an agreement to end the war.
The mediators believe that issues such as the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s highly enriched uranium can only be resolved within the framework of a final agreement. They are exploring whether Iran could take partial steps on these issues during the first phase of the agreement. They are also studying the measures the Trump administration could take to ensure Iran’s compliance with the ceasefire. Tehran wants to avoid a Gaza or Lebanese scenario, where Israel reserves the right to attack despite a ceasefire.
According to the American media sources, discussions are being held through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators. Axios also mentions direct SMS exchanges between Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi.
The White House is buying time, Tehran remains vague
Reuters reports a proposal for an immediate ceasefire followed by a broader peace agreement that could be reached within 15 to 20 days. This plan is largely negotiated by Pakistan. The chief of the Pakistani army, Marshal Asim Munir, was in contact all night with Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Abbas Araghchi, according to a source from the news agency.
The White House confirmed on Monday that intermediary countries had proposed a 45-day ceasefire in Iran, adding that Donald Trump had not yet made a decision.
On the Iranian side, the spokesperson for the Iranian military stated that the country will continue to fight “as long as the politicians deem it appropriate.” “The enemy will surely regret (initiating hostilities, Editor’s note) so that after this conflict we can regain security and avoid a new war,” said Mohammad Akraminia, as reported by the Iranian news agency Isna.
