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

Pragmatic co-operation doesn’t sound that different to good diplomatic relations to me.

I think it comes down to how we take different meanings from the same words.

Yes - let Trump think he’s on good terms with Xi! Would could possibly go wrong? 😂
A bit like he get’s on with Putin maybe?

Let them both act like they are on good terms with one another (who knows or cares what they actually think), it could benefit both countries and is better for stability.

That is the game of diplomacy, or pragmatic co-operation if you prefer.

Yup. And it was in the news a few years back that Xi had the PRC constitution changed. He done away with term limits. He is Chairman for life.

He won't be doing any long term pal things with the US. Not when there is a chance of Rubio being POTUS. Rubio is anticommunist to the core.

Trump’s remaining 2 years will be a blink of an eye in the scale of Chinese forward planning. I have read some articles about their control of policy and long term plans.

I wish we could use this degree of planning to tackle difficulties with the NHS, social care, future pension difficulties. But definitely prefer living in a democratic country!! We will just have to cope with changes every 4-5 years or - given recent events- health secretary to health secretary. Surprised how our governments and civil service get anything done given this.

You of all people Red, who often post about Trump’s lies - why would you believe that he thinks Xi is a pal or someone he will be doing “long term pal things with” just because he has waxed lyrical about Xi?

Neither man is stupid (though Trump gives a good impression). I think they both know better than to underestimate the other one.

It’s great that you both understand the Chinese position so clearly though!

We’re lucky to have your expertise on this board.

I don’t think either of have said anything particularly clever or new though? A basic interest in other countries? Don’t think us posting on this board means we don’t also read up about / have an interest in other countries - as has often been thrown at me!

But it has been fascinating getting your views on the Trump - Xi good diplomatic relations!

For sure, but in defense of democracy, when governments change they don't usually reverse everything from before.

Trump did of course. That was his big thing. Tearing up the Iran deal for example.

But usually it is tweaking around the edges. The policies governments put in place do usually work in western democracies. Sometimes they don't. For example, if the current UK labour government do nationalise some rail, I reckon the tories might sigh relief. That idea never really worked. And I don't think the next tory guv will do another sell off.

You're too modest. Just own it - you both are our resident experts on China on Mumsnet. It's not a bad thing it's great for the community to get the insight.

Yes - I was thinking that too, about not changing things too much. The party who has the centre ground wins? That’s why Starmer has tried to maintain this position? Not too left…

But it all seems to be changing now- with populist parties like Reform and Green? Don’t know if the first past the post will save us!

Trump latest TS (posted moments before he speaks as a prayer event in DC)

“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! President DJT”

Don't worry about @RedTagAlan when you say "Don't know if the first past the post will save us" - she has said multiple times she lives in an authoritarian country so not the UK.

I have a basic understanding of importance of AI/ chips/ importance of Taiwan in this respect. It would be hard to miss this if you read a good broadsheet.

There have also been articles about way China makes policy- the last one I read was when Xi called all bureaucrats together. There were hundreds in one room - to plan together. It was fascinating.

I would say I am an avid news reader and also listen to political podcasts. Again - nothing I have said is novel nor clever!

Yes I know that! And? I was referring to us as in those living in the UK

Iran is moving on from charging tolls to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Eurasia Group. They now have Hormuz Safe Insurance Platform, paid in cr*pto, which already has a few countries signed up.

https://www.ft.com/content/eabadd1a-a712-4b44-99bf-bb50eb753811?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Trump’s Hormuz ship insurance facility has done $0 business

US president’s $40bn scheme has had zero uptake due to absence of naval escorts through key waterway

Well I didn't go so far as to say you have ever said anything novel or clever but still, thank you for the China insights. It makes for a better discussion than - for example - people just posting random snippets of information about Trump or Iran.

I don't think anyone outside of power in China really knows how China works. But there are odd clues. If they are clues.

For example, in the photos I saw, Xi is drinking from a gold/yellow tea cup. And that is significant because yellow is/was the imperial colour. Reserved for the emperor. He is the first Chairman to do so. That is a big message on how he sees himself. And the Party too really. The standing committee let him do that.

Xi really is at Mao level power.

And without a doubt, the Party wanted Trump to win the election. And now we see why.

Yes - I can appreciate this- that we don’t really know, only what we can surmise. The picture of all those bureaucrats in one room was made available because Xi wanted to a give a message too, I’m sure.

I don't know if my posts are labeled as random snippets but they show that no progress has been made on peace talks or the opening of the Strait.

Not at all- sorry.

This might also make the money transfers more easy for Iran to spend? It’s less easy to trace? Not good at all!

A bit cheeky they are calling it insurance instead of a toll! Not in competition with the U.S. in the insurance business now?!

Dont worry, it wasn't you who said it

Not sure how we can ignore things that Trump posts or says on Iran on a thread about Iran