US, Iran edge closer on framework deal to end war: report

The United States and Iran made progress in talks on Tuesday, edging closer to a framework agreement to end the war, Axios reported Wednesday, citing U.S. officials.

As the two-week ceasefire nears its April 22 expiration, a deal is not yet guaranteed, officials said, noting that significant gaps remain between the two sides, and that reaching a full agreement will require broader consensus within Iran.

"We want to make a deal. And parts of their government want to make a deal. Now the trick is to get the whole of government over there to make the deal," a U.S. official was quoted as saying.

If a framework agreement is reached, the ceasefire would need to be extended to negotiate the details of a comprehensive deal, said the report. However, it cautioned that the details "are complicated -- you can't do that in two days," citing another U.S. official.

Both Iran and the United States on Wednesday denied reports that the two sides had reached an "in principle agreement" to extend the ceasefire.

Washington's naval blockade, cutting off Iran's oil exports, and the country's deepening economic crisis are increasing pressure on Tehran to reach a deal, said the U.S. officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump told FOX Business in an interview aired on Wednesday that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is "very close to being over." He has repeatedly suggested the war is nearing an end, while offering no clear timeline.