Diplomatic Push: US and Iran Near 60-Day Ceasefire Framework

 

WASHINGTON D.C. / TEHRAN — Negotiations between the United States and Iran have reached a high-stakes phase, with both sides working to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at de-escalating the ongoing regional conflict.

Key Framework of the Potential Deal

President Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that a preliminary agreement is "largely negotiated," pending final adjustments. Facilitated by Pakistani and regional mediators, the framework currently under discussion reportedly includes:

• 60-Day Ceasefire: A two-month extension of the existing truce to create a window for broader diplomatic engagement.

• Maritime Security: The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Under the proposed terms, Iran would clear deployed naval mines and suspend transit tolls. In a reciprocal move, the U.S. would ease its blockade on Iranian ports and issue specific sanctions waivers to facilitate oil exports.

• Regional De-escalation: The deal aims to halt active hostilities across multiple fronts, including ongoing military operations in Lebanon.

Divergent Views on Nuclear Program

While the ceasefire and maritime security terms appear to be nearing consensus, the "nuclear file" remains a significant point of friction.

Western officials have suggested that the current draft includes preliminary commitments for Iran to curb uranium enrichment and surrender stockpiles of highly enriched material. However, Iranian state-aligned outlets, including the Tasnim news agency, have explicitly denied these reports. Tehran maintains that nuclear-related issues are being intentionally postponed until after a formal end to the war, asserting that the current MoU is restricted solely to the cessation of hostilities.

International and Regional Response

• Global Reaction: The European Union and international partners have expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that any durable peace must include guarantees against nuclear proliferation.

• Regional Concerns: Israeli leadership has conveyed deep skepticism regarding the proposal. Officials are concerned that the current draft may fail to adequately address long-term security threats posed by Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

• Next Steps: Diplomats are working to resolve the remaining gaps. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan confirmed that his country remains prepared to host a new round of high-level talks in the near future to solidify the agreement.

As the situation develops, U.S. and Iranian leadership are reviewing the final parameters. While the mood in diplomatic circles is hopeful, officials caution that the deal remains subject to final approval by both Washington and Tehran.