U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached a preliminary agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending an existing ceasefire and opening new talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to U.S. sources. The deal is not final and still requires approval from President Donald Trump.
The proposed framework comes after several weeks of heightened military and diplomatic tensions, including reported defensive U.S. strikes on Iranian assets in the region.
Agreement
Officials familiar with the talks said the draft agreement would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while establishing a structured process for negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear activities.
The memorandum of understanding was first reported by Axios. U.S. officials confirmed that while an outline has been reached, it remains subject to political approval before implementation.
Military Activity
Tensions escalated earlier in the week after the U.S. carried out what officials described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operations targeted Iranian vessels allegedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM also reported an Iranian missile targeting U.S. aircraft, though no damage was confirmed. U.S. forces responded by striking IRGC naval assets and a surface-to-air missile site near Bandar Abbas, according to officials.
In a separate development, U.S. forces intercepted Iranian drones operating in the Strait of Hormuz area, shortly before Iran launched a ballistic missile toward Kuwait. Kuwaiti defense systems intercepted the missile, and CENTCOM described the launch as a ceasefire violation.
Political Response
President Donald Trump said earlier in the week that negotiations were still ongoing and had not yet reached a final agreement.
“Iran is negotiating on fumes,” Trump said, adding that while discussions were not yet satisfactory, he expected progress or a return to military action.
He reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, a position that has remained central to U.S. policy throughout the negotiations.
Nuclear Issue
The primary sticking point in the talks remains Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. has insisted that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons capability, while Iranian officials have described uranium enrichment and nuclear autonomy as non-negotiable.
Iranian parliament official Ebrahim Azizi said Tehran’s “red lines” include maintaining enrichment rights, controlling uranium stockpiles, and retaining influence over the Strait of Hormuz. He also called for the removal of economic sanctions.
Outlook
The proposed agreement represents an initial framework rather than a finalized treaty. It would pause escalation while providing time for broader diplomatic negotiations on nuclear and regional security issues.
Officials on both sides have indicated that significant disagreements remain, and the outcome now depends on whether the proposed extension receives final approval from the U.S. administration.
For now, the ceasefire arrangement remains in a provisional state as diplomatic and military developments continue in parallel.
FAQs
Has the US-Iran ceasefire extension been finalized?
No, it still requires President Trump’s approval.
How long is the proposed extension?
It would extend the ceasefire for 60 days.
What is the main point of dispute?
Iran’s nuclear program remains the key issue.
What triggered recent tensions?
Reported military strikes and drone activity in the region.
Who reported the agreement first?
Axios first reported the memorandum of understanding.
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