The US, Iran, and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, according to four US, Israeli, and regional sources with knowledge of the talks, Axios reports.

According to the sources, the talks are being brokered by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, as well as through short messages between US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

As per the sources, however, the likelihood of reaching a partial agreement in the next 48 hours is slim.

A US official told Axios that the Trump administration has sent several proposals to Tehran in recent days, but Iranian officials have not yet accepted them.

The sources said that the mediators are discussing terms of a two-phase agreement with the parties. The first phase could include a 45-day ceasefire.

The ceasefire could be extended if more time is needed for negotiations, one of the sources added.

The second phase, according to Axios’ sources, could be reaching an agreement on a permanent cessation of hostilities.

As per the sources, the mediators believe that the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a resolution of the issue of Iran’s highly enriched uranium can only be achieved through a final agreement.

A source noted that the mediators are working on steps that the Trump administration can take to provide Iran with guarantees that the ceasefire will not be temporary and that the war will not resume.

The sources emphasized that Iranian officials have made it clear to the mediators that they do not want to find themselves in a situation similar to the one in Gaza or Lebanon.