Negotiations are underway between Washington and Tehran over a potential ceasefire deal that would hinge on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to three U.S. officials briefed on the talks.
The discussions remain fluid and may be occurring through intermediaries rather than direct channels, the officials cautioned. President Trump has been personally involved in exploring the arrangement with advisors inside and outside his administration, they said.
Vice President Vance has been actively engaged in the back-channel communications, having passed messages to Iranian officials through mediators as recently as Tuesday. The message conveyed that the U.S. would be open to a ceasefire provided Iran reopens the strategic waterway, a critical global shipping route. Vance also reinforced Trump's threat to strike Iranian infrastructure if no agreement materializes.
Trump broached the subject during Wednesday calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, signaling the initiative carries weight with Gulf allies who have been pushing for continued pressure on Iran.
On Wednesday, Trump claimed via Truth Social that Iran had requested a ceasefire, stating he would consider it only if the Strait of Hormuz became "open, free, and clear." He added ominously that the U.S. would meanwhile continue "blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry quickly dismissed Trump's assertion as "false and baseless." Tehran has consistently denied engaging in direct talks with Washington.
Trump's claim may have been rooted in comments from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a Tuesday call with European Council President António Costa. Pezeshkian indicated Iran was prepared to end the war if the U.S. ceased its attacks and provided assurances the conflict would not resume. Analysts note that Pezeshkian, while nominally president, does not wield primary decision-making authority, with more hardline figures currently wielding influence.
A ceasefire proposal along similar lines was jointly presented by China and Pakistan on Tuesday, suggesting the framework gaining traction across multiple parties.
Trump has repeatedly predicted the conflict will conclude soon, though he has kept a ground operation possibility in reserve. Israel and Gulf states continue urging him to intensify pressure, while some White House officials are quietly exploring potential off-ramps from the escalating situation.
Trump is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. ET regarding Iran, with the talks remaining in a nascent and uncertain stage.
Comments