Axios: U.S., Iran Explore Ceasefire Deal Tied to Strait of Hormuz Reopening
According to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter, the talks remain preliminary, and it is unclear whether they are being conducted directly or through intermediaries.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States and Iran are engaged in discussions over a potential agreement that could see a ceasefire in exchange for Tehran reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a report published Wednesday by Axios, citing U.S. officials.
According to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter, the talks remain preliminary, and it is unclear whether they are being conducted directly or through intermediaries. The officials cautioned that a final agreement is far from certain but noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has been actively discussing the proposal with advisors both inside and outside his administration.
The issue was also reportedly raised during a phone call on Wednesday between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to sources with knowledge of the conversation.
Trump claimed earlier in the day that Iran had requested a ceasefire, but emphasized that any U.S. consideration would be conditional on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route.
However, Iran swiftly rejected the assertion. A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry described Trump’s remarks as “false and baseless,” reiterating Tehran’s longstanding position that it is not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington.
The report also noted that China and Pakistan had put forward a peace initiative on Tuesday centered on similar conditions, though details remain limited.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signaled a conditional openness to ending hostilities during a recent call with António Costa. According to sources, Pezeshkian indicated that Iran would be willing to end the conflict if the United States halts its attacks and provides guarantees to prevent a renewed escalation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his stance, stating that Iran’s leadership had sought a ceasefire and that the U.S. would only consider such a move if the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear.” He added that until such conditions are met, U.S. military operations would continue.
The developments highlight ongoing diplomatic uncertainty amid escalating tensions, with conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran casting doubt on the prospects for a near-term breakthrough.