The United States and Iran are in discussions over a possible 45-day ceasefire, according to reports, as efforts ramp up to de-escalate tensions and work towards a longer-term resolution.
Axios reported that US and Iranian officials, along with regional mediators, are negotiating the framework of a temporary truce that could pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict, citing four sources familiar with the talks.
There has been no immediate confirmation from Washington, with both the White House and the US State Department yet to respond to requests for comment on the report.
The proposal under discussion is understood to involve a two-stage agreement. The first phase would see a 45-day ceasefire implemented while negotiations continue on a broader deal to formally end the war.
Under the second phase, both sides would aim to reach a lasting agreement to bring the conflict to a close. The report added the ceasefire could be extended if more time is needed to finalise negotiations.
The developments come as US President Donald Trump continues to ramp up pressure on Tehran, warning that if the Straight of Hormuz is not opened by Tuesday evening, the US could move to target key Iranian power plants.
In an expletive-laden Easter Sunday social media post, Mr Trump threatened to target Iran’s power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the strategic Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
Mr Trump said his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening, according to an interview he gave to the Wall Street Journal on Sunday.
The Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for around a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supply, has been largely shut down since the war began five weeks ago.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” he said on his Truth Social platform.
“There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F*ckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Later on Sunday, the US President in a follow-up post, gave a more precise deadline: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!”
Adding to the pressure, Washington’s ally in the war, Israel, which attacked a major petrochemicals facility on Saturday, was preparing to attack energy facilities next week and was awaiting US approval, a senior Israeli defence official said.
However, in the sort of mixed messaging that has baffled supporters and foes alike, let alone financial markets, Mr Trump told Fox News on Sunday that Iran was negotiating, with a deal possible by Monday.
Tehran is demanding an end to hostilities and its parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf condemned Mr Trump’s threats, saying he was being misled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family, and our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu’s commands,” he posted on X.
Mr Trump’s threat follows an intense 48-hour rescue operation for two US airmen inside Iran.
A US airman, whose jet was downed, was injured but safe after he hid in the mountains before being rescued.
“The rescue was an Easter Miracle,” Mr Trump said.
Thirteen US military personnel have died and hundreds of others have been wounded throughout the Middle East since the US and Israel started operations.
Mr Trump said he will hold a news conference on Monday in the Oval Office alongside the military.
The average US petrol price hit $US4.11 ($A5.95) a gallon on Sunday, according to AAA, up from below $US3 ($A4.3) when strikes on Iran began.
The war, which opened with US and Israeli air strikes across Iran on February 28, has spread into Lebanon, where Israel has resumed its campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Thousands have died, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, where Israeli air strikes killed another 11 people on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The war, which opened with US and Israeli air strikes across Iran on February 28, has spread into Lebanon, where Israel has resumed its campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Thousands of people have died, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, where Israeli air strikes killed another 11 people on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Mr Trump’s blending of religious references with threats of military action drew some criticism on Sunday.
Republican former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, writing on X, accused Trump of betraying Christian values. She said Christians in the administration should be “pursuing peace” rather than “escalating war” and argued that Jesus’ teachings emphasised forgiveness and love, including toward enemies.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations also condemned Trump’s language, saying in a statement that his “mocking of Islam and his threats to attack civilian infrastructure” were reckless and dangerous.
– with Reuters
