India, April 9 -- Even as US President Donald Trump publicly escalated his threats against Iran, at one point claiming Tehran was "begging" for a deal, the White House was quietly pushing for a temporary ceasefire, a report in Financial Times said citing people familiar with the talks.

The report suggests that behind the hardline rhetoric, Washington was already exploring a pause in fighting, with a focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz (key global oil route). Track US-Iran war updates.

The diplomatic push finally culminated late Tuesday night when the US, Iran and Israel announced a two-week ceasefire. The announcement came just hours after Trump warned he could destroy Iran's "whole civilisation" if his terms were not met.

Accordin...