08.04.2026 09:40
It has emerged that the most critical turning point in the process leading to a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was the instruction from Iran's new religious leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, to "reach an agreement."
As the deadline given by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz approached, the Tehran administration's acceptance of a two-week ceasefire created relief worldwide. The factors influencing Iran's decision, which has long maintained a closed stance towards negotiations, have started to become clear.
According to a report by the American news site Axios, based on 11 different sources, the most significant factor behind the change in Iran's stance was the direct involvement of the country's new religious leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in the process.
TENSE START AT THE NEGOTIATION TABLE
According to the report, the contacts between the U.S. and Iran that took place on Monday began quite tensely. The U.S. Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff described Iran's 10-point counterproposal as a "disaster."
Throughout the day, Pakistani mediators carried draft texts between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. With the support of diplomatic contacts in Turkey and Egypt, a common framework for a two-week ceasefire was established late at night.
All eyes are now on the Iranian leadership for the decision to be finalized.
##19727274##
TURNING POINT: THE "AGREE" INSTRUCTION
Mojtaba Khamenei, who has largely maintained communication through indirect channels for security reasons, was reported to have directly involved himself in the process in the last two days.
According to sources speaking to Axios, Khamenei's instruction to the negotiators to "agree" became the most critical turning point in the process. A regional source summarized this situation by saying, "If he hadn't given the green light, there wouldn't have been an agreement."
It was also stated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi played a decisive role in both conducting the negotiations and convincing the Revolutionary Guards. On the other hand, it was reported that China also urged Iran to "find a way out."
CLAIM OF WALKING AWAY FROM THE TABLE DID NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH
Following Trump's harsh statement that "A civilization will die tonight," some media outlets claimed that Iran had withdrawn from the negotiations. However, sources close to the talks denied these claims and stated that the process was making progress contrary to those assertions.
At the same time, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called on the parties by sharing the ceasefire conditions via social media.
CRITICAL PHONE TRAFFIC FROM TRUMP
Before announcing the ceasefire, Trump held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure assurances that the agreement would be upheld. He then spoke with Pakistan's Chief of General Staff Asim Munir, bringing the process to a final point.
Shortly after Trump's announcement, the U.S. military was ordered to halt operations.
ALL EYES ON THE APRIL 10 NEGOTIATIONS
The parties are preparing for a new round of negotiations to be held in Pakistan. Vice President Vance is expected to lead the U.S. delegation, and these talks are said to determine the fate of the process.
An Israeli official claimed that Netanyahu received assurances from the U.S. regarding Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile activities.
However, it is noted that due to deep differences between the parties, the process remains fragile and the possibility of conflicts restarting is still on the table.