How Iran's supreme leader reached truce with Trump
Source: axios.com
TL;DR
- Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei instructed negotiators to pursue a deal amid Trump's ultimatum, leading to a two-week ceasefire.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff called Iran's initial 10-point counterproposal a "disaster," sparking chaotic amendments via Pakistani mediators.
- Ceasefire averts bombing of Iranian infrastructure and opens path to peace talks in Pakistan on Friday.
The story at a glance
Axios details the back-channel diplomacy that produced a two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire on Tuesday, after intense negotiations involving Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, U.S. President Trump, envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Pakistani mediators. Khamenei, succeeding his father and facing assassination threats, approved the deal via note-passing runners for the first time since the war began. The reporting comes right after Trump's announcement and Araghchi's confirmation, amid Pentagon preparations for strikes.
Key points
- Officials in U.S. and Israel learned Monday that Khamenei had greenlit negotiators to move toward a deal, per Israeli, regional, and third sources with knowledge.
- Witkoff reacted angrily to Iran's 10-point counterproposal that morning; Pakistani mediators, with Egyptian and Turkish help, shuttled chaotic amendments.
- By Monday night, mediators secured U.S. approval for a two-week ceasefire proposal; Khamenei, actively involved, gave his breakthrough blessing despite clandestine note-passing due to Israeli threats.
- Tuesday morning saw progress despite Trump's threat that "a whole civilization will die tonight"; media wrongly reported talks breaking off.
- Around noon ET Tuesday, parties converged on ceasefire; Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif published terms on X three hours later.
- Trump spoke to Netanyahu for commitment, then Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir to close; U.S. forces stood down 15 minutes after Trump's post.
- Account draws from 11 sources; Araghchi confirmed Iran's adherence and Strait of Hormuz opening "in coordination with Iran's armed forces."
Details and context
Khamenei communicated laboriously via runners passing notes, as he faced active Israeli assassination risks; two sources called his negotiator blessing a "breakthrough." Araghchi handled talks and convinced Revolutionary Guards commanders, while China advised Iran to seek an off-ramp. VP JD Vance worked phones from Hungary mainly with Pakistanis; Netanyahu stayed in frequent contact with Trump but grew concerned about losing process control.
U.S. forces and Pentagon readied massive bombing of Iranian infrastructure; regional allies braced for retaliation, and some Iranian civilians fled homes. Even Trump associates were confused on his leanings until the acceptance. Peace talks are planned Friday in Pakistan, likely led by Vance; a senior Israeli official said Netanyahu got U.S. assurances on demanding Iran abandon nuclear material, enrichment, and ballistic missiles.
Key quotes
- "A disaster, a catastrophe." — Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy, on Iran's initial counterproposal (source with direct knowledge).
- "Without his green light, there wouldn't have been a deal." — Regional source, on Khamenei's role.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/08/exclusive-how-irans-supreme-leader-reached-a-truce-with-trump)[[2]](https://x.com/axios/status/2041739386526568639)
Why it matters
A U.S.-Iran war risked obliterating infrastructure, spiking oil prices, and drawing in allies like Israel amid nuclear and missile threats. This buys time for negotiations, potentially easing global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and lowering gasoline costs. Watch shipping resumption, Netanyahu's ceasefire adherence, and Friday talks in Pakistan, though gaps in demands could restart fighting.[[1]](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/08/exclusive-how-irans-supreme-leader-reached-a-truce-with-trump)