Axios reveals details of how US and Iran agreed on ceasefire

Axios has learnt that the United States and Iran have agreed on the parameters of a two-week ceasefire through intermediaries despite public threats by US President Donald Trump towards Tehran.

Source: Axios, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sources told Axios that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei instructed his negotiators for the first time since the start of the war to move towards reaching an agreement with the US.

Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told intermediaries on Monday that the 10-point plan he had received from Iran was "a catastrophe". This triggered a series of rapid revisions coordinated by Pakistani intermediaries between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

By Monday evening Eastern Time, Pakistan had received US approval for the updated proposal for a two-week ceasefire.

The decision then had to be made by Khamenei, whose involvement in the talks was secret and complicated. Facing the threat of assassination by Israel, he communicated mainly via runners passing notes. Ultimately, Iran's Supreme Leader also approved the updated ceasefire proposal.

"Without his green light, there wouldn't have been a deal," a regional source said.

By Tuesday morning, it became clear that progress had been achieved in the negotiations, although this did not prevent Trump from issuing his most harrowing threat: "A whole civilisation will die tonight."

Some US media outlets reported that Iran was breaking off negotiations in response to the US president's remarks. Sources told Axios this was not the case and that there was in fact momentum in the diplomacy.

US Vice President JD Vance participated in the discussions from Hungary, primarily negotiating with Pakistani intermediaries.

Around midday Eastern Time on Tuesday, a general understanding emerged that the sides were converging on a two-week ceasefire.

There was confusion among Trump's close associates regarding his decision: most believed he would reject the ceasefire proposal until the moment he accepted it.

Shortly before posting his response, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure his commitment to observe the ceasefire.

Fifteen minutes after Trump's post, US forces were told to stand down.

Background:

• On 8 April, Trump said the US and Iran have accepted Pakistan's proposal for a two-week ceasefire.
• Iran has also confirmed it will abide by the ceasefire and announced plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the truce.

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