US, Iran and mediators make push for 45-day ceasefire: Report

Amid the rapidly escalating US–Israel-led war against Iran, backchannel discussions are underway on a possible 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict.

Axios report on Sunday, citing US, Israeli and regional sources familiar with the talks said that mediators are working on a two-phase proposal. The first phase involves a 45-day ceasefire, during which negotiations would continue toward a comprehensive agreement to end the war. The second phase would focus on finalising a permanent settlement.

The ceasefire period could be extended if more time is needed for negotiations. However, there has been no official confirmation from the White House or the US State Department.

Sources said the likelihood of securing even a partial deal within the next 48 hours remains low. Still, the ongoing effort is seen as a last attempt to prevent a major escalation that could involve large-scale strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliatory attacks on energy and water facilities in Gulf countries, the report noted.

US President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal on Sunday that Iran faces a deadline to act or risk attacks on critical infrastructure. While his initial 10-day deadline was set to expire on Monday evening, Trump extended it by 20 hours, announcing a new deadline of 8 pm ET on Tuesday via Truth Social.

He also told Axios that the United States is “in deep negotiations” with Iran and expressed hope that a deal could be reached before the revised deadline. At the same time, he warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to strikes on infrastructure vital to Iranian civilians.

Diplomatic efforts are being facilitated through mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, along with direct exchanges via text messages between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to sources familiar with the negotiations, said the report.