A tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran in their ongoing conflict remains uncertain, with key political figures expressing doubt over its acceptance and effectiveness. While U.S. officials describe the deal as a step toward resuming talks on Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian leadership stresses that real concessions come from military might rather than diplomatic negotiations.
The proposed deal aims to prolong the three-month ceasefire by 60 days, allowing negotiators to address the critical issue of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a key element in nuclear weapons development. However, ratification by U.S. President Donald Trump is still unclear, with ongoing debates over language in the draft agreement.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf publicly dismissed reliance on verbal promises, highlighting the country’s distrust in guarantees. He asserted that Iran’s gains come from missile capabilities rather than talks and emphasized that no steps toward compromise will be taken without reciprocal action. According to Qalibaf, success in any agreement depends on who maintains superior readiness for conflict after signing.
A U.S. official involved in the negotiations revealed that efforts focus on general terms governing Iran’s uranium stockpile, which amounts to approximately 440 kilograms enriched up to 60 percent purity—close to weapons-grade levels monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Specific details on uranium management and future enrichment levels are expected to be the core of follow-up discussions during the ceasefire period.
Vice President JD Vance outlined the war’s broader goal of substantially hindering Iran’s nuclear capabilities for the long term but stopped short of declaring a complete halt to Iran’s ambitions. Negotiations reportedly continue over how to handle the existing uranium stockpile and restrictions on enrichment activities.
Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. Its enriched uranium reserves are believed to be secured underground at several nuclear facilities damaged by U.S. strikes last year. Some nuclear policy experts suggest Iran might accept oversight by third parties like China or Russia, though President Trump has expressed discomfort with involving those nations in the uranium’s custody.