Tehran has reportedly rejected ceasefire proposals put forward by Washington and intermediaries
The US, Iran, and regional mediators have been discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire, Axios reported on Sunday evening, citing four US, Israeli, and regional sources.
The report comes as US President Donald Trump extended the deadline of an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz from Monday to Tuesday. Trump has threatened to strike Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if shipping is not restored.
According to Axios, communication is taking place through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators, as well as via messages exchanged between Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A US official indicated that several proposals had been presented in recent days, but none had been accepted by Tehran.
The mediators are reportedly discussing a two-phase arrangement, beginning with a 45-day pause in fighting to allow negotiations on a permanent settlement. The halt could be extended if needed, while a final agreement would address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Trump told Axios in a phone call that Washington was “in deep negotiations” with Tehran, while warning that he would be “blowing up everything over there” if no deal is reached. The outlet described the chances of reaching an agreement before the deadline as “slim.”
Iran has repeatedly denied that it is negotiating with the US and has rejected Trump’s claim that it is seeking a ceasefire. On Friday, Fars News Agency reported, citing officials, that Tehran had rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire delivered through an intermediary.
Iranian officials stated that they would hold talks on their own terms, when they see fit. Tehran also accused the US of effectively sabotaging the Omani-mediated talks when Trump, together with Israel, ordered an attack on Iran on February 28.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei dismissed Trump’s claim that Iran is seeking a truce as “false and baseless.”