U.S. and Iran discussing ceasefire for reopening strait, officials say
· Axios
The U.S. and Iran are discussing a potential deal that would involve a ceasefire in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, three U.S. officials tell Axios.
The big picture: The officials did not say whether those discussions had taken place directly or only through mediators, and they cautioned that it was unclear whether a deal could be reached. But the officials said President Trump was discussing the possibility with officials inside and outside the administration.
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Driving the news: Trump claimed on Wednesday that Iran had asked the U.S. for a ceasefire, but stressed he would only consider it if the strait was reopened.
- China and Pakistan presented a peace initiative along those lines on Tuesday.
- Iran's foreign ministry swiftly denied Trump's claim, and Tehran has consistently denied holding any direct negotiations with Washington.
Between the lines: Trump might have been referring to a statement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made on Tuesday during a call with European Council President António Costa.
- Pezeshkian said Iran was willing to end the war but only if the U.S. stopped its attacks and Iran received guarantees to prevent the war from resuming.
- The U.S. officials did not say whether the discussions around a ceasefire were happening directly with the Iranians or through the Pakistanis or other mediators. Iran denies holding any direct negotiations with Washington.
What they're saying: "Iran's New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
- He stressed that in the meantime the U.S. will continue "blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!"
- A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry called Trump's post "false and baseless."
Reality check: Pezeshkian was already president before the war, and most analysts think more hardline figures are currently calling the shots.
What to watch: Trump has repeatedly suggested the war will end soon, though he kept a potential ground operation on the table.
- Israel and Gulf states including Saudi Arabia are urging Trump to push on. Meanwhile, some in the White House are on the lookout for off-ramps.
- Trump will address the nation at 9pm ET on Iran.
This is a developing story and has been updated throughout.