The United States and Iran have agreed on the broad terms of a 60-day extension to their ceasefire, a crucial step toward easing hostilities that have persisted for months. The deal, reported by Axios, awaits final approval from President Donald Trump before it can take effect.
This agreement follows a recent spike in military actions, including Iran’s targeting of a US air base in Kuwait and US counterstrikes against Iranian drone operations. US Central Command reported neutralizing five Iranian attack drones and destroying a command center near Bandar Abbas, just as a sixth drone was preparing to launch.
Simultaneously, Kuwaiti forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired toward their territory, underscoring the ongoing volatility despite the ceasefire. Iranian forces warned that any further attacks on their positions would provoke stronger retaliation, signaling persistent tensions in the region.
The ceasefire, initially implemented in early April, aims to halt a conflict that has dragged on for three months, causing thousands of casualties and disrupting critical shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. While this outline agreement signals progress, the sudden flare-ups show the fragility of the situation and the challenges to achieving a durable peace.
Oil markets initially rose on concerns over the recent strikes but later softened following news of the tentative ceasefire extension. Regional actors remain engaged, with Pakistan acting as a mediator and its foreign minister scheduled to meet US officials, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the conflict.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon’s southern city of Tyre and in Beirut, emphasizing the broader regional dimension of the conflict. Iran insists Lebanon must be included in any comprehensive peace negotiations.