US and Iran agree tentative 60-day ceasefire extension and nuclear talks
Washington: US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a tentative understanding to extend a fragile ceasefire by 60 days and begin formal talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to a U.S. official speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the discussions. The arrangement still requires approval from President Donald Trump, who has yet to sign off on the emerging memorandum of understanding.
The proposed deal comes at a volatile moment in the conflict, with recent fighting continuing to undermine the truce. U.S. Central Command said missiles fired from Iran were intercepted over Kuwait just a day earlier, highlighting the risk of further escalation.
Under the draft agreement, Iran would be prohibited from imposing tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and required to remove naval mines from the strategic waterway within 30 days. In return, the United States would gradually ease its naval blockade of the strait and consider relaxing sanctions, potentially allowing Iran to increase its oil exports. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, carrying roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas, and disruptions there have already contributed to rising global fuel prices.
A key sticking point in the proposed negotiations concerns Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses around 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity—close to weapons-grade levels. The draft framework suggests this issue would be among the first addressed during the 60-day ceasefire period. However, Iran has not publicly agreed to relinquish the material, which is believed to be stored at heavily damaged nuclear sites.
Some analysts have suggested that third countries such as China or Russia could potentially take custody of the enriched uranium as part of a broader agreement, although President Trump has indicated he would be uncomfortable with such an arrangement.
Separately, a second U.S. official said that while the broad contours of a deal are in place, significant uncertainties remain, particularly regarding whether the president will ultimately approve the proposal.
Meanwhile, tensions in Washington persist on multiple fronts. The Justice Department has reportedly opened an investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll, who has accused President Trump of sexual assault in a civil case, gave false testimony during litigation. In addition, a federal judge has declined to block an executive order linked to voter registration and mail-in voting reforms, allowing the administration’s changes to proceed ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.