US, Iran discussing ceasefire for reopening Hormuz, report says
What's the story
The United States and Iran are reportedly in talks over a potential ceasefire deal that would see the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The discussions were confirmed by three US officials to Axios, although it remains unclear if they have been direct or through mediators. They said President Donald Trump was discussing the possibility with both internal and external officials.
Diplomatic outreach
Trump and Vance involved in backchannel talks
On Wednesday, Trump spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed about the possible ceasefire, two sources told Axios. Vice President JD Vance has also been involved in backchannel talks through mediators, conveying that the US is open to a ceasefire if its demands are met, another source said. These demands include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Vance reiterating Trump's threats to attack Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached.
Ongoing conflict
Iran denies direct negotiations with US
Iran has consistently denied holding any direct negotiations with the US. The Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed Trump's claim of a ceasefire request as "false and baseless." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier said that Iran was willing to end hostilities if guarantees were provided that the war would not resume.
Trump
Trump warns US will hit Iran 'extremely hard'
Trump has said several times that the war will end soon, but he has also kept the option of a potential ground operation open. In his address to the nation on Wednesday night, he said Washington's "core strategic objectives" in the Iran war were nearing completion but warned that the next two to three weeks will involve intense military activity. "We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks," he said.