Washington: A White House official has indicated that a proposed 45-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran is merely 'one of many ideas' currently under discussion. This statement was made to an Axios reporter, highlighting that the proposal is still under consideration.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barak Ravid reported on the US social media platform X that the official informed him, "The President (Donald Trump) has not signed off on it. Operation Epic Fury continues." Additionally, it was noted that President Trump is expected to provide further details regarding the situation during a news conference in Washington at 1.00 pm (1700 GMT) on Thursday.

The discussion about the ceasefire emerged shortly after reports suggested the proposal had been tabled. The backdrop to these deliberations is an escalation in regional tensions in the Middle East, following a joint offensive by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28. This offensive resulted in the deaths of more than 1,340 individuals, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response to the offensive, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets. These retaliatory actions have not only caused casualties and infrastructure damage but have also disrupted global markets and aviation.