The negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have progressed in the past 24 hours, but a ceasefire deal by President Trump's 8pm ET deadline is uncertain, according to multiple sources. The deadline is 8pm Eastern Time, which could lead to an escalation in the war between the two countries. President Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's bridges and power plants if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz, or retaliate against energy and water facilities in the Gulf states. The main issue is meeting Iran's demand for a strong guarantee that the US and Israel won't resume the war after a pause, and the slow response from Iranian leadership due to the security situation. Negotiations are expected to continue over the next several hours until the deadline expires. The latest reports of Iran cutting off direct communication with the US have not been confirmed, while Iran's state-run Tehran Times denies any walkout from negotiations. The negotiations have been conducted through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators. There are also discussions about a possible in-person meeting between a U.K. delegation led by Vice President Vance and Iranian officials.