Officials from the United States and Iran have reportedly reached terms for a 60-day extension of the ongoing ceasefire, though final approval hinges on President Donald Trump’s consent, according to multiple U.S. sources. This extension would temporarily ease regional tensions while allowing diplomats to tackle Iran’s contentious nuclear program in forthcoming rounds of negotiation.
The provisional agreement outlines key commitments from both sides designed to maintain stability in a historically volatile region. Among these, Iran would be required to clear all naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz within the first month, ensuring unrestricted commercial shipping through the vital waterway. Correspondingly, the U.S. would scale back its naval blockade in proportion to the restoration of maritime traffic and offer limited sanctions waivers to permit some Iranian oil sales.
In addition to maritime provisions, the memorandum of understanding reportedly includes Iran’s promise not to pursue nuclear weapons during the ceasefire period. In return, the U.S. would begin discussions on easing sanctions and facilitate the release of Iranian funds currently frozen in international banks. The initial diplomatic focus will center on the fate of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its nuclear enrichment activities, which remain a core point of contention.
The deal also aims to end hostilities involving Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Despite this potential breakthrough, peace talks brokered by the U.S. between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to continue as planned at the Pentagon and the State Department. The ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect an attempt to stabilize the broader Middle East amid persistent uncertainties.
The backdrop to these developments includes recent military engagements. U.S. Central Command accused Iran of a serious ceasefire violation after Iran targeted Kuwait with a missile attack, which Kuwaiti defenses successfully intercepted. Earlier on the same day, Iranian forces launched multiple attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, all of which were shot down by U.S. and allied forces. Central Command described its responses as measured and defensive, emphasizing vigilance against Iranian aggression while maintaining the ceasefire’s integrity.
President Trump acknowledged that Iran is eager to reach a deal but noted that substantive progress had yet to be finalized. His decision on the proposed ceasefire extension will determine the immediate trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader stability of the Middle East.