The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend their ceasefire for 60 days and begin negotiations aimed at permanently ending the war, officials confirmed Thursday.
US sources told Al Jazeera that the framework still requires President Donald Trump’s final approval. If endorsed, it would mark a significant breakthrough after weeks of stalled diplomacy, Al Jazeera reports.
Yet details remain unclear, including whether the 60‑day extension sets a deadline for talks, since the current truce is already open‑ended.
The reported MOU follows sporadic skirmishes in the Gulf that threatened to unravel the ceasefire, with both sides trading limited attacks earlier Thursday. Axios first disclosed the preliminary deal, later confirmed by the White House to Al Jazeera.
According to Axios, the agreement stipulates “unrestricted” vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and a US commitment to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Tehran has long asserted sovereignty over the strategic waterway, insisting it must be jointly managed with Oman as it passes through both nations’ territorial waters. Washington has rejected any form of Iranian control, including tolls on shipping.
On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened sanctions against Oman if it facilitated fees on vessels transiting the strait.
He later declined to confirm details of the reported deal, stressing that “it’s always a mistake to get out ahead of the president, so it is all going to be the president’s decision.” Bessent reiterated Trump’s three conditions for Iran: reopening Hormuz, surrendering highly enriched uranium stockpiles, and dismantling its nuclear programme.
Iran’s semi‑official Tasnim news agency denied claims of an imminent agreement, citing a source close to the talks: “If the text is indeed finalised, Iran will announce the matter to the Pakistani mediator and to the people. And until then, any narrative from Western sources about the finalisation of the matter is not valid.”
The reported memorandum also requires Iran to pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons — a commitment Tehran has repeatedly made. Slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed by US and Israeli forces on 28 February, had issued a religious decree against weapons of mass destruction.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Thursday that the country is “not looking for nuclear weapons,” adding, “We do not engage in diplomacy with humiliation,” according to ISNA.
While the deal could ease tensions over Hormuz, other disputes remain unresolved. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty, while Trump demands the programme’s complete dismantling.
Washington is also pressing for limits on Iran’s missile and drone production, but Tehran has ruled out negotiations on defence policy.
Regional conflict further complicates the picture. In Lebanon, Israeli forces have intensified attacks, killing dozens and ordering mass displacements in southern cities. Hezbollah has escalated drone strikes against Israeli troops.
On Thursday, Israel bombed Beirut for the second time since April’s ceasefire, marking the first strike on the capital in three weeks.
