REPORT: Iran Conflict Mediators Float 45-Day Ceasefire Proposal

Regional mediators are engaged in discussions with the United States and Iran over a potential 45-day ceasefire as part of efforts to de-escalate the conflict ahead of President Donald Trump’s escalation deadline.

The mediators involved include officials from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, who have facilitated indirect communications. Additional back-channel contacts have occurred between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Throughout the conflict, the aforementioned nations have conveyed communications between the two sides over potential negotiations, as well as the ongoing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a report from Axios, mediators have floated a proposal that would include two phases. The first phase would implement a 45-day ceasefire, during which negotiations would take place on a permanent end to the war.

The second phase would involve reaching an agreement to conclude the conflict indefinitely, which would require concessions from Iran on its nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. The ceasefire could be extended if the parties require additional time for talks under the proposed framework.

One unnamed official from one of the mediating countries emphasized the urgency to the Iranian government, stating that “there is no time for further tactics, as the next 48 hours represent the last opportunity to prevent massive destruction.” Iranian officials have thus far balked at the proposal, however, stating that they do not want an agreement that would “only exist on paper.”

The last-minute negotiations come ahead of President Trump’s hard deadline for escalation, which has been set for Tuesday, April 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. If Iran refuses to re-open the Strait of Hormuz by that time, Trump has vowed to authorize strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” the president wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday morning. “Open the F**kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH.”

In recent days, Iran has rejected several negotiation proposals. On April 3, Iranian state media reported that the regime had turned down a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire that had been conveyed through a third country. Iran has also informed mediators that it is unwilling to participate in direct meetings with U.S. officials in Pakistan, stating that current demands are “unacceptable.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in related comments that no negotiations with the U.S. had occurred and that there was “no intention of negotiating for now.”

While leaving several options for escalation on the table, Trump told ABC News that he is still hopeful over the prospects of an agreement. The president told Israeli outlet Channel 12 that the U.S. remains in “deep negotiations” over an agreement, adding that there is a “very good chance” an agreement can be reached by Tuesday.

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