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 big picture: 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 raised the talks around a possible ceasefire in a call on Wednesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to two sources with knowledge.


• Trump also spoke to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.

Behind the scenes: Vice President Vance has been talking to the mediators about the possible ceasefire as recently as Tuesday, according to a source familiar.

• The source said Vance passed a message to Iran via the mediators that the U.S. is open to a ceasefire if its demands are met, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.


• Vance also reiterated Trump's threats to attack Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached, the source said.

Driving the news: 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.

Between the lines: Trump might have been referring to a statement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made on Tuesday during a call with European Council President António Costa.

• Pezeshkian said Iran was willing to end the war but only if the U.S. stopped its attacks and Iran received guarantees that the war would not resume.

What they're saying: "Iran's New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

• He stressed that in the meantime the U.S. will continue "blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!"


• A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry called Trump's post "false and baseless"

Reality check: Pezeshkian was already president before the war, and most analysts think more hard-line figures are currently calling the shots.

What to watch: Trump has repeatedly suggested the war will end soon, though he kept a potential ground operation on the table.

• Israel and Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are urging Trump to push on. Meanwhile, some in the White House are on the lookout for off-ramps.


• Trump will address the nation at 9pm ET on Iran.