US, Iran closer to extending ceasefire for 60 days: Agreement content

The United States and Iran are moving toward extending their fragile ceasefire for another 60 days, with mediators working on an interim deal that could lay the framework for broader talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and regional security, the Financial Times reported. People familiar with the negotiations told the newspaper that the proposed deal includes a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a phased lifting of sanctions on Tehran, an easing of U.S. blockades of Iranian ports and discussions on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The talks are aimed at preventing a new round of military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.US-Iran War News – Follow Live UpdatesIran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmael Baghaei said on Saturday that Tehran was discussing a “memorandum of understanding” to formally end the war as a first step toward broader negotiations over the next 30 to 60 days.“We are now finalizing this memorandum of understanding,” Bagai said.Also read: Trump connection? How Iran funds its war machineThe proposed extension comes amid concerns that if talks fail, President Donald Trump could resume strikes against Iran, potentially escalating a conflict that has destabilized much of the Middle East.

What is reportedly included in the proposed agreement?

One of the centerpieces of the deal is the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping lane through which most of the world’s oil exports pass, according to diplomats involved in the negotiations. Gulf states are particularly concerned that a protracted conflict could disrupt maritime trade and trigger new energy shocks around the world.The deal will also reportedly discuss Iran’s stockpile of approximately 440 kilograms of enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels. Washington wants Tehran to either dilute the material or move it elsewhere as part of a broader nuclear understanding.In return, the United States is expected to ease restrictions on Iranian ports and gradually lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets held overseas.

Why are talks important?

Mediators believed that a 60-day extension would help stabilize the situation so that broader diplomatic negotiations could take shape. A diplomat familiar with the talks said progress was being made.“The deal appears to be moving in the right direction. It is now under review by the Americans,” the diplomat said.The diplomat added: “The Iranians may be prepared to spend more on nuclear energy, but not while the war lasts – this deal helps close the gap.”The talks accelerated after Pakistani and Qatari negotiators held discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday and Friday. Pakistan later said the talks had made “encouraging progress toward a final understanding” between the United States and Iran.Mediation efforts reportedly involve regular contact with US envoy Steve Witkoff, while the Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

What’s the crux?

Despite signs of diplomatic progress, deep divisions remain unresolved. One of the biggest obstacles is Trump’s demand that Iran completely give up any path to a nuclear weapons capability.According to reports, the US president insists that Iran hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and dismantle its three major nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. The United States struck at the facilities last June after Washington joined Israel in a 12-day conflict with Iran.Enriched uranium is believed to still be buried under the rubble of these facilities, particularly in Isfahan.Meanwhile, Iranian leaders continue to insist they will not give up their sovereignty.Ghalibaf told Pakistani negotiators that Tehran would not give up its “rights,” especially when dealing with the United States, which was “not sincere and cannot be trusted.”At the same time, he said Iran is still willing to ensure its “legitimate rights and interests” through diplomatic means.Bagai also warned that negotiations remained fragile.“On the one hand, we have experienced contradictory statements and changes in positions from the United States. They have put forward contradictory positions many times,” Baggai said. “We can’t be completely certain that this practice won’t change.”“On the other hand, perspective [of the two sides] We are getting closer, not that we have agreed on these big issues, but that we can arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution based on a set of parameters,” he added.

Why are Gulf countries worried?

Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are watching the talks closely as a new round of conflict threatens to destabilize the Gulf region and exacerbate the global energy crisis.Trump said earlier this week that the United States had postponed a new round of attacks on Iran while “serious negotiations” continued. He added that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have asked Washington to suspend military operations.Regional allies fear that if U.S.-Israeli attacks resume, Iran could retaliate by targeting Gulf states and disrupting energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the region.