Washington, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, according to an Axios report. Mediators from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are taking part in negotiations, which include text message communication between Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The proposed deal would be two-phased: a 45-day ceasefire followed by mediation for a permanent end to the war that began February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. President Trump said a deal is likely before his Tuesday deadline. "There is a good chance, but if they don't make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there," he said. A massive US-Israeli bombing campaign is ready but on hold, sources added.

The final deal could include full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a solution for Iran's uranium stock; either dilution or removal from the country. Iranian officials have stressed that mediators do not want a ceasefire on paper that leaves them vulnerable to future attacks, as seen in Gaza and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran expanded attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, launching drone and missile strikes on petrochemical facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. The Revolutionary Guards also hit an Israeli-linked vessel at Dubai's Jebel Ali port. The war has killed thousands of people so far, mainly in Iran and Lebanon.

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