The U.S., Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, according to four U.S., Israeli and regional sources with knowledge of the talks.
Why it matters: The sources said the chances for reaching a partial deal over the next 48 hours are slim. But this last-ditch effort is the only chance to prevent a dramatic escalation in the war that will include massive strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and a retaliation against energy and water facilities in the Gulf states.
Driving the news: President Trump’s 10-day deadline to Iran was expected to expire Monday evening. But on Sunday, Trump extended his deadline by 20 hours and posted on Truth Social a new deadline of Tuesday at 8pm ET.
Trump told Axios on Sunday that the U.S. is “in deep negotiations” with Iran and that a deal can be reached before his deadline expires on Tuesday.
“There is a good chance, but if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there,” he said.
Trump has threatened to destroy infrastructure that is vital to Iranian civilians if he is unable to reach a deal with the regime.
Such attacks could constitute war crimes, and Iran has threatened to retaliate with attacks against infrastructure in Israel and the Gulf states.
Two sources said the operational plan for a massive U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran’s energy facilities is ready to go, but stressed the extension of Trump’s deadline was aimed at giving a last chance to reach a deal.
Behind the scenes: Four sources with knowledge of the diplomatic efforts said the negotiations are taking place through Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators and also through text messages sent between Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.