US, Iran and mediators discuss terms for a 45-day ceasefire

[Twiglets1]

As reported by Axios, 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.

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.

• A U.S. official said the Trump administration gave Iran several proposals in recent days, but so far Iranian officials hadn't accepted them.
• The sources said the mediators are discussing with the parties the terms for two-phased deal; the first phase would a potential 45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated.
• The ceasefire could be extended if more time were needed for talks, one of the sources said.
• The second phase would be an agreement on ending the war.
• The sources said mediators think that fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a solution for Iran's highly enriched Uranium — either through its removal from the country or dilution — could only be a result of a final deal.
• These two issues are Iran's main bargaining chips in the negotiations and the Iranians will not agree to fully give up on them for only 45 days of ceasefire, two of the sources said.
• The mediators want to see whether Iran could take partial step on both issues in the first phase of the deal. They are also working on steps the Trump administration could take to give Iran guarantees that the ceasefire will not be temporary and that the war will not resume.

www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-us-tehran-ceasefire-talks

Yay! It's nice to find small areas of agreement.

Edited to add - though on this occasion, they can't both be lying of course.

And the destruction of Lebanon continues

https://bsky.app/profile/bellingcat.com/post/3mlskprxr3k2y

Satellite imagery shows that at least 46 towns and villages in southern Lebanon have been heavily damaged or, in some cases, entirely flattened by the Israeli Defence Forces. Bellingcat’s interactive map reveals the scale of the destruction: https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/05/14/satellite-imagery-shows-ongoing-demolitions-across-southern-lebanon/?utm_source=bluesky

I’ll have to grin and bear it Twigs 😆

occasionally we agree 👏

Haha😆

Thanks Top

This from your posted article is worth highlighting again

‘ Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, is reported to have statedthat “all homes in Lebanese villages near the border will be destroyed — in accordance with the Rafah and Beit Hanoun model in Gaza”. The aim, Katz said, is to “remove, once and for all, the threats near the border”. Israel has adopted similar methods of flattening buildings and homes close to Israel’s border in Gaza’

Land grabbing thief’s !
You want a security zone you put it on your own land

Although the article attached notes it’s really just a kill zone in Gaza

There are extensive tunnel systems (far more sophisticated than those in Gaza) underneath those southern Lebanon villages. So even destroying all the houses on top doesn't solve the problem, the tunnels need to go as well, they're full of munitions.

Lebanon is a Sovereign country and no matter how much Netanyahu and the Israeli government may believe that they are entitled to dictate to other countries what they can and can't do, it's not true.

And before a "but Hezbollah" many of the recent villages being destroyed are Christian villages where people who do not even support Hezbollah live. It's wanton destruction for destructions sake, it will end in utter failure. Thankfully the images of desecration have opened up the eyes of many Americans about "their greatest ally".

if Israel wants a security zone they should have a no mans land on their own land. They can lawfully dig all they like in Israel

Netanyahu and the Israeli Government are stealing land Again !
The world sees.

The UK has sophisticated tunnels where they keep munitions too. It's the standard way to protect such stuff.

From my point of view, instead of non stop blowing things up, Natanyahu could offer to talk. Two state solution and all that.

The difference is the UK isn't using those tunnels and munitions against another country!

Netanyahu could, but remember a two state solution has been offered by Israel several times in the past and it was always rejected. I don't believe it will ever happen, personally.

Never is a long time so I think it could happen eventually (2 state solution).

Not anytime soon though with Hamas and Netanyahu in charge and the memory of 7/10/23 still fresh in people's minds.

More on Trump’s state visit to Bejing.

Trump said the meeting was “very successful, world renowned and unforgettable” while Xi called it a “historic and landmark” visit according to Chinese state media.

Trade, oil, Iran and Taiwan were among the topics discussed.

Trump said Xi has committed to withholding military equipment from Iran, wants the SoH open again & has agreed to buy oil from the US.

He refused to elaborate on what China wants in return.

(Source is the BBC)

Strait of Hormuz is still blocked.

And Trump thinks China wants to buy US oil

China buying or not buying US oil after their meeting is something that can be easily checked.

Trump will have made concessions in return he just isn’t talking about that.

I got a feeling that China gained more than Trump.

There’s a surprise.

Care to explain?

Well, they got this headline for their state media anyway.

Trump repeatedly calls President Xi a great leader: Xinhua - Global Times

Who would have thought it. The PRC having POTUS paying tribute. It's a new height for the Party.

Gotta remember that China (The PRC) is not like western nations. It does not have a separate Country and State. Not according to the CPC anyway. It is a single unit. The country, nation, state and the Party are all rolled into one. That's how it was under Emperor rule, and it's still the same.

Note, when I say PRC, it's because there are two places called China. The PRC and ROC.

To paraphrase Tony Blair, people say they want change but they really don't like too much change.
Not rainbows & butterflies but compromise that drives us along..as the song goes.
China works for many of it's citizens, it will be 'interesting' to see how spreading it's influence tests the power structures and compromises when it meets a culture clash. I'm quite a fan of Chinese history & culture but not cautious enough to survive there.

Why would you need to be cautious to survive there ?

My understanding is there are plenty of shills thriving there.

Aren’t they both saying different things
Either neither understands or someone’s fibbing

Interesting and unsurprising segue.

I don't think Xi has made a statement disagreeing with Trump that he has agreed to buy US oil has it?

So in what sense are they both saying different things about that?

You not answering the question is also not surprising.

So why would you not be cautious enough to live there ?

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mlvaog4mjv2m

Q: Have you rejected the latest proposal from Iran?

TRUMP: I looked at it, and if I don't like the first sentence I just throw it away

Q: What was the first sentence

TRUMP: An unacceptable sentence. If they have any nuclear in any form, I don't read the rest