US, Iran agree to 60-day framework for ceasefire extension and nuclear talks

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed to a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire and launching formal talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to US news website Axios citing sources.

The report said US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval to the agreement.

According to Axios, the proposed MoU would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the start of the conflict. However, officials cautioned that more detailed and intensive negotiations would still be required to reach a final deal on Iran’s nuclear programme.

US officials said most terms had been agreed by Tuesday, but both sides were awaiting approval from their respective leaderships.

Officials added that the Iranian side later informed negotiators that they had received the necessary approval and were ready to sign, although Tehran has not officially confirmed this.

US negotiators briefed President Trump on the details, but he did not immediately approve the deal. A US official said the president had asked for several days to review the proposal.

Under the reported framework, the agreement would ensure uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with no tolls or harassment of commercial shipping. Iran would also be required to remove all naval mines from the strait within 30 days.

The MoU would reportedly include commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, while both sides would engage in discussions on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and uranium enrichment activities.

The US would also reportedly commit to discussing partial sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds during the negotiation period, along with mechanisms for the delivery of essential goods and humanitarian aid to Iran.