Negotiators from the United States and Iran have reportedly agreed on the framework for a fresh 60-day extension of the ceasefire deal, although final approval from President Donald Trump is still pending, according to U.S. sources.
The development comes as Trump is said to have shared the draft peace proposal with key allies, including Israel, amid efforts to stop renewed ceasefire violations from escalating and jeopardising ongoing negotiations.
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In a move aimed at accelerating diplomatic talks, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, is expected in Washington today for discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Sources also confirmed an earlier Axios report stating that both sides had reached consensus on a memorandum of understanding designed to extend the truce and open formal negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Neither the White House nor Iranian officials immediately issued official confirmation of the agreement.
According to Axios, the proposed 60-day arrangement would guarantee unrestricted movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, threats or interference, while Iran would be expected to remove all naval mines within 30 days.
In exchange, the United States would gradually ease its naval restrictions on Iranian ports based on the restoration of commercial shipping activities.
The draft agreement also reportedly contains Iran’s pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons, with early negotiations expected to focus on the handling of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
President Trump has consistently maintained that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons as part of any settlement intended to end the conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. A fragile ceasefire has remained in effect since April 7.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said he was still dissatisfied with Iran’s proposals and warned that military action remained an option if negotiations failed.
Both Washington and Tehran earlier accused each other of breaching the ceasefire following fresh exchanges of fire.
Meanwhile, China is reportedly pushing for any eventual agreement to receive formal ratification from the United Nations Security Council.
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