U.S. and Iran discussing ceasefire for reopening strait, officials say

(Barak Ravid – Axios) The U.S. and Iran are discussing a potential deal that would involve a ceasefire in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, three U.S. officials tell Axios. The officials did not say whether those discussions had taken place directly or only through mediators, and they cautioned that it was unclear whether a deal could be reached. But the officials said President Trump was discussing the possibility with officials inside and outside the administration. Trump claimed on Wednesday that Iran had asked the U.S. for a ceasefire, but stressed he would only consider it if the strait was reopened. China and Pakistan presented a peace initiative along those lines on Tuesday. Iran’s foreign ministry swiftly denied Trump’s claim, and Tehran has consistently denied holding any direct negotiations with Washington. Trump might have been referring to a statement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made on Tuesday during a call with European Council President António Costa. – U.S. and Iran discussing ceasefire for reopening strait, officials say