With a rapidly approaching deadline, the US and Iran are engaged in last-ditch negotiations, mediated by regional actors, to avert further escalation of conflict.
Trump Extends Deadline for Agreement
President Trump extended a deadline for Iran until Tuesday at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 AM Wednesday Polish time), after initially setting it for Monday evening, April 6th.
The original 10-day deadline issued by President Trump to Iran was set to expire on Monday, April 6th. However, on Sunday, April 5th, Trump extended the deadline by 20 hours and published a new deadline on his Truth Social platform.
US and Iran in “Deep Negotiations”
Donald Trump stated to Axios that the US is in “deep negotiations” with Iran, suggesting a potential agreement before the Tuesday deadline. He warned of devastating consequences if no deal is reached.
Trump reportedly told Axios, “There’s a very good chance, but if we don’t make a deal, I’m going to blow it up.”
Regional Mediators Attempt to Broker Peace
Negotiations are being facilitated by mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, as well as through text messages exchanged between Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, according to four Axios sources.
US Proposals Unaccepted, Two-Phase Deal Discussed
US administration has presented several proposals to Iran in recent days, but Iranian officials have yet to accept them. Mediators are discussing a potential two-phase agreement.
The first phase could involve a 45-day ceasefire, during which a lasting end to the war would be negotiated. The possibility of extending the ceasefire if more time is needed is also being considered.
Focus on Strait of Hormuz and Uranium Enrichment
Mediators believe full opening of the Strait of Hormuz and resolution of Iran’s highly enriched uranium issue can only result from a final agreement. The uranium could be removed from the country or diluted.
Building Trust and Addressing Iranian Concerns
Mediators are working on measures to build trust, specifically regarding Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and its highly enriched uranium reserves. These are key bargaining chips for Iran.
Iran is seeking guarantees that a ceasefire will be lasting and not merely temporary, fearing a repeat of situations in Gaza or Lebanon where attacks resumed after ceasefires. The US administration declined to comment on the matter.
Trump Threatens Iranian Civilian Infrastructure
Donald Trump threatened to destroy infrastructure essential for Iranian civilians if a deal cannot be reached, including power plants and desalination facilities. Such attacks could be considered war crimes.
Iran has threatened retaliation, potentially targeting infrastructure in Israel and Persian Gulf states.
Prepared Military Campaign and Regional Concerns
A joint US-Israeli plan for a large-scale bombing campaign targeting Iranian energy facilities is reportedly ready, but the deadline extension aims to provide a final chance for a diplomatic solution.
Mediators are concerned that Iranian retaliation for an attack on its energy infrastructure would have a destructive impact on oil and water resources in the Persian Gulf countries.
Last Chance for Agreement, Iranian Stance Remains Firm
Iranian officials have been informed that there is no time for further negotiations, and the next 48 hours represent the last opportunity to reach an agreement and prevent widespread destruction.
Publicly, Iranian officials maintain a hardline stance and reject any concessions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz “will never return” to its previous state, especially for the US and Israel.
Israel Prepares for Action Against Hezbollah
Israeli army commander General Eyal Zamir visited troops in southern Lebanon and pledged to intensify attacks on Hezbollah, an ally of Iran.
Zamir announced that the area from the border with Israel to the Litani River would be “cleansed and demilitarized of threats to Israel and the residents of the north.”