![US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff (L) and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R). [EVELYN HOCKSTEIN and Amer HILABI / various sources / AFP/Getty Images]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2208703152.jpg)
The US, Iran and regional mediators are in urgent discussions over a possible 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, the Axios news site reported Sunday, citing American officials. The sources said the chances of securing even a partial agreement in the next 48 hours are slim, however. Still, officials see the talks as the last opportunity to prevent a major escalation that could include strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and retaliatory attacks on oil and water facilities in Gulf countries. US President Donald Trump’s initial 10-day deadline for Iran was set to expire Monday evening. On Sunday, he extended it by 20 hours, setting a new […]
